Brothers and sisters, do you remember when you were children and you would ask your parents for something that you really wanted for your birthday or Christmas? I do, reminding them more and more as the date became closer. I would leave little reminders all over the place, reprioritizing my Christmas list. I was willing to go without everything else to get what I really wanted. I remember the joy I felt opening the gift and jumping for joy and hugging them. I would say thank you! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! I loved seeing the smile on my parents faces as they laughed enjoying my joy and gratitude. My joy was further amplified when I realized that I also got all the items that I crossed out on my list. I remember how loved I felt, how heard, seen, validated and cared for I felt. Now as a father I want to experience the joy of my children jumping up and down and saying, thank you! thank you! thank you! Brothers and sisters, our Heavenly Father wants that appreciation from us too.
However, we as a people tend to have a different attitude… Instead of having a heart of gratitude we have a grumbling heart. This is dangerous and if left unchecked. Grumbling can cause great harm. I remember an experience that I had with a fellow brother in Christ. As we were traveling to our MNSOM class, we were discussing grumbling and the consequences it has on our walk and on others, especially the effect grumbling has on leadership. We were led by the Holy Spirit to the exodus of the Israelites and the effects that the grumbling of the Israelites had on Moses.
1. Firstly, having a grumbling heart can prolong us from receiving what God has for us.
The grumbling of the Israelites caused the journey to the promised land to be extended to 40 years when it was only meant to be around 11 days.
2. Secondly, a grumbling heart can blind us from what is right in front of us.
The grumbling of the Israelites led to a portion of them dying from eating the quail when the Lord had provided them manna. A grumbling heart can blind us from what is right in front of us.
3. Thirdly, a grumbling heart can lead to dissension and cause divisions.
The grumbling of the Israelites led to Aaron and Miriam doubting Moses and his ability to lead which caused Moses much grief and led to Aaron and Miriam being disciplined.
4. Grumbling takes our focus off God and put our focus on ourselves.
As it is written: Romans 12:3-8
[3] For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. [4] For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, [5] so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. [6] We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; [7] if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; [8] if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.
5. Finally, a grumbling heart saps the strength of those around us and can discourage our loved ones, leading them to operate in the flesh, the sinful nature and ultimately spiritual death.
The grumbling of the Israelites led to Moses striking the rock in frustration and taking credit for the water for which God provided this action. Moses could not enter the promised land due to this action and lack of credit to God.
Brothers and sisters, I would encourage you, if you are struggling with grumbling, examine yourselves with the guidance of the Holy Spirit that you may address your heart and repent.
1 Thessalonians 5:12-18 addresses how we are to conduct ourselves from day to day in regard to grumbling:
“[12] Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. [13] Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. [14] And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. [15] Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else. [16] Rejoice always, [17] pray continually, [18] give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Thanksgiving needs to be practiced as it is a stance of worship to our Lord.
Brothers and sisters, James wrote, through the power of the Holy Spirit, about taming the tongue:
“[3] When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. [4] Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. [5] Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. [6] The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. [7] All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, [8] but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. [9] With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. [10] Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. [11] Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? [12] My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olive, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.”
James 3:3-12
It is also written in James 4:11-12:
“[11] Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. [12] There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?”
It is also written:
“Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.”
James 1:26
It is also written:
"Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky.”
Philippians 2:14-15
Brothers and sisters, remember the God we serve. We are to love one another as HE loves us. This is a command from the most high God. If you have a problem with someone, go to God in prayer first. Humble yourself before the Father. Give your grievances to Him. Our words to each other are meant to be seasoned with salt so that it may benefit those who hear. We are meant to encourage and build up one another, bearing in love with those who are weak in the faith.
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.”
Ephesians 4:29-30
I know that there is plenty that could be improved upon in our churches, but simply complaining about it, pointing it out or stating what needs to be done does nothing but exhaust and dishearten those who hear you. If you see something that needs to be changed, do not be someone who sits in a chair drinking lemonade, critiquing those who are working. Rather, grab some gloves and ease the burden or be silent.
To put it another way:
“What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”
James 2:14-17
Brothers and sisters, I am not without fault in this. I am guilty of being this way. Join me in coming before our Heavenly Father in humility to ask him to circumcise our heart and to obey what it is written:
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
Ephesians 4:31-32
Before I conclude, brothers and sisters, I want to go back to the story of Moses not being allowed to enter the promised land. Many of us view that as a punishment, right? However, thanks to the Holy Spirit, I gained a deeper understanding of our Lord. God knows the motivation of our hearts. HE knows our heart condition, where we are and what we are facing. Moses was old; he was tired, frustrated and spent. There was so much more work that needed to be done. What was revealed to me is that as much as not entering the promise land was a punishment, it was more of an act of love and mercy to Moses. He would enter the Lord's rest and be delivered from a grumbling, disobedient and stiffnecked people.
Let us not be what we were before we were called a grumbling, disobedient and stiffnecked people. But let us do as the Lord commands and encourage one spurring one another along in love. Let us not lean in our own understanding and continue to complain. Let us trust in our loving,providing, merciful Heavenly Father. Showing the world what it is to be his children and how wonderful He is.
Brothers and sisters, words cannot express the joy I experienced in the revelation I received from the Holy Spirit. How thankful am I that we have a loving Heavenly Father. My words cannot fully express this love. I am grateful that He has placed me in a position in which I am able to share my joy in Him with you and the insight HE has blessed me with. Our God is so good! GLORY BE TO GOD ALMIGHTY!
Pastor Dakota Swinton