I am sure that all of us murmur, grumble, and complain – some more so than others. Sometimes, I wonder why people are so fond of murmuring and grumbling. For example, I used to have difficulty understanding why the Israelites, having been delivered from Egyptian bondage, complained so much despite having repeatedly seen the miraculous works and providence of God. For example, they complained that there was no food in the wilderness (Exodus 16), but God was gracious and gave them manna and quail to eat. Later on, they complained that they were tired of eating manna, and that they missed the fish, cucumbers, and melons that they had in Egypt, as if they had forgotten that they were slaves there (Numbers 11).
Likewise, we frequently murmur, grumble, and complain, even though God has been so patient and kind towards us in many ways. Can we truly say that we are aware of all the ways that God has taken care of us? We may not even be fully aware of all the ways God has provided for our needs, or taken it for granted – and yet God has continued to be gracious to us in so many different ways.
Murmuring has become a habit for many of us, something that we easily slip into doing. How often have we complained about the way things are done, without offering any concrete suggestions or actual help? Undoubtedly, there are times when things around us could be improved, such as when the Grecian widows in the early church were “neglected in the daily food distribution” (Acts 6:1). However, we see that the way forward from that situation was not to murmur and to complain, as some did (Acts 6:1a), but rather to take concrete action – the apostles appointed seven trustworthy men to take charge of this issue (Acts 6:3).
Let us be mindful that murmuring and complaining does not just involve our own selves, but that it has a negative influence on others also. Let us remember what James said, that even though the tongue is a little body part, it can have a great impact (James 3:5). If we are ever tempted to murmur, grumble, and complain, let us remember the wise words in the book of Proverbs, which stated that “He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction” (Proverbs 13:3).
Let us remember that our grumbling can have a wider impact than we realize. Paul reminded the Christians in Philippi to “do all things without murmurings and disputings: that ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world” (Philippians 2:14-15). We must always remember that we are walking “role models” for Christ – that people will form an impression of our Lord through the things we say and do – including our grumbling and murmuring. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).
As Christians, instead of grumbling and murmuring, let us have a spirit of thankfulness and gratefulness always, for this is God’s will for us. “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
Are you feeling overworked? Give thanks for your job. Are you tired of squeezing in a crowded MRT train or bus? Give thanks that we even have a public transportation system, which many cities around the world lack. Are you feeling that your spouse and children and other family members do not appreciate your hard work in taking care of the family? Give thanks that you even have a family in the first place, as well as good health and a sound mind to take care of them in the first place.
When we make a conscious decision to be thankful, and not murmur, we will be more appreciative of every single blessing that God has sent our way, and we will learn to “not sweat the small stuff,” and not to nitpick on perceived faults and shortcomings.
At the end of the day, remember that above all, our God is a just God who knows all and sees all. Keep on working for Him without murmuring and complaining, and He will reward us in due time. “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58).
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