Text: Num 11:1-15 – complained in the hearing of the Lord (complain unjustly);
1 Cor 10:1-6 – warning against taking the Lord lightly
Replacing the attitude of complaining
‘complain’ – to beat the breast; to express pain or dissatisfaction over situation/circumstances
Biblical complaint, unjustified dissatisfaction – to express dissatisfaction over situation/circumstances that is not wrong and about which I’m doing nothing to correct
Other terms used: groaning, wailing, murmur
Why is complaining a sin?
· Lord’s command – don’t complain (Phillipians 2:14)
· Indirectly accuses God of being inadequate
· Lack of faith and gratitude to God
· Hurts those complained against – Moses fed up with Israelites’ complaints (Num 11:11-15)
· Hurts you – you become unpleasant company
11. Acknowledge and confess – most difficult part, if not aware
22. Repent – no salvation without real repentance. Without real repentance, there is no real change.
Repentance – to turn away from the wrong and turn to what is right.
R3. Replace with right attitude – a thankful/grateful attitude
1 Thess 5:16-18 – a) be joyful always, b) pray continually, c) giving thanks in all circumstances, d) for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Gratitude is the mother of all joy. – Mother Theresa
Gratitude – affects your outlook, disposition
- You appreciate life, friends, God’s providence
- You radiate and dissipate hope, joy, contentment
Thanksgiving leads to thanks living.
Luke 17:11-19 – Jesus heals 10 lepers but only 1 comes back to thank him.
As Christians, we should be more grateful than non-Christians as a testimony for the Lord.
Things to do:-
1. 1. Exercise your attitude of gratitude daily
- Refrain from complaining
- Say ‘thank you’ as often as appropriate
2. 2. Thank at least 2 persons personally
- Give them reasons for thanking them
3. Share 3 things you are grateful for and how they have changed your life
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