"It's somebody else's fault." This is one of the lies that I'm often tempted to tell myself — a psychological defence mechanism that prevents me from accepting responsibility for my actions or thoughts. I don't relish the oncoming consequences that I see swirling around in my mind, so I attempt to escape them by blaming another person or set of circumstances.

Complaining, grumbling, judging, blaming — all four are intimately related, and can occur at the same time and in the same place. If I'm complaining, I'm grumbling. If I'm grumbling, I'm normally judging someone or a situation — and if I'm judging, I'm putting the blame on something or someone else. I do a good job at this. How much easier to complain about only three of twenty registers being open than to enjoy the company of others while waiting in line. How much more comfortable to grumble about how much I don't earn than to thank my employer for the job. How much easier to judge the young lady who comes to church with liquor on her breath than to love her as Christ would. How much more convenient to blame circumstances for my inability to repay the loan that I secured than to accept the consequences of a poor decision.

Misery loves company. But these attitudes aren't honourable or beneficial.

James 5:9 – Don't grumble about each other, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. For look — the Judge is standing at the door! (NLT)

Complaining demonstrates a lack of trust in God to rule and reign in my circumstances. Closely associated is a lack of faith that He can actually turn them around and compose something good from them. Rarely do I see things as God does. Complaining demonstrates this. Trusting is the better course.

When I complain, it gives evidence of my discontent with what God is doing or allowing in my life. The challenge is to be happy and content where God places me. When I trust Him, I can be.

Rather than complaining, let us trust God with our circumstances.

Prayer: Father, when life turns in directions that we'd rather not take, give us strength to trust You rather than complain about our circumstances. Amen.

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About the author:

Martin Wiles <mandmwiles@gmail.com>
Greenwood, South Carolina, USA
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