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It is easy for anyone to murmur and complain when they only look at the
bad that is in their path at that moment. When we take our eyes off of
every good and perfect gift that is in our life, we will be tempted to
forget all that we have to be thankful for and we will find it easy to
complain about the temporary trial that is before us. What we must
remember and keep in mind is that we are a blessed people. We have much
more than we know and because of our shortsightedness we find it easy to
complain about the inconsequential things that really will have no
relevance for us down the road. When we think long-term and have our eyes
focused on the goals ahead of us, complaining won't come as easily as it
did before.
Being a constant complainer, fault finder and just an all around
pessimistic person will hinder one's life and keep them from having
Perfect Peace and the Spirit filling Joy of the Lord. When we resolve to
be grateful, to look on the bright side, to see our glass half full and
not half empty, we are in essence dictating our own happiness. It is
within our ability and control to either be happy and joyful or miserable
and downtrodden. No person can ruin our day without our permission. It
is within our ability to stay in peace despite what is going on all around
us. We must have the right outlook on life from within so that no matter
what happens outwardly, it will not affect us inwardly. We hold the power
to our happiness. We must remember this truth.
(Numbers 14:26-35) (Isaiah 26:3-4) (Proverbs 18:21)
I encourage you to change your outlook if you are a complainer because you
are only hindering your own happiness. By looking at the good that is in
our life we will be filled with gratitude. Be encouraged to look at all
the good that you have in your life and be thankful for it. Look at your
spouse, your children, your family, your friends, your health, your home,
your job, etc. and give God thanks for all that He has given to you.
Don't fall for the enemy's temptations to complain about the temporary
trial in your path. Look long-term and see past your present circumstances.
Have a vision of joy, peace, happiness and love for your life. You will
be amazed at the changes that come in life when you simply have the right
attitude and disposition. (Psalm 34:1-10) (Romans 8:31-32) (Philippians 2:14-16)
I hope this message encourages and challenges your heart to put away all
complaints and all murmurings and be quick to remember every gift and
blessing that you are lucky enough to have in your life.
AT THE COMPLAINT COUNTER
I understand that an Athens hotel posted a sign that read: “Visitors are
expected to complain at the office between the hours of 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.
daily.” So, visitors are actually expected to complain?
Of course, complaints in themselves are not bad things. I realize that
something has to be addressed before it can be fixed, and I believe that
there are times when dissatisfaction should be expressed. What's more, I
realize that we all have different temperaments. Some people naturally see
the glass half full, some see it half empty and some just see that they
will probably end up washing it. Some people are naturally more accepting
while others complain quickly.
But a tendency to constantly look at what is wrong can become a habit. And
habits can take over. I just don't want to become a person who spends a
lot of time “standing at the complaint counter.”
Like the woman who frequented a small antique shop. She complained
constantly about the prices, the quality and even the location.
The shop owners took it in stride, but one day, while ranting about
selection, she blasted the clerk with: “Why is it I never manage to get
what I ask for in your shop?”
The clerk smiled and replied, “Possibly because we're too polite.”
I find that if I fill my mind with the little irritants of life, I have no
room, or energy, left for anything that nurtures and feeds my spirit. No
room for genuine appreciation. No room for understanding. No room for
enjoyment. No room for fond memories. No room for storing a list of things
that bring pleasure.
I actually believe there is much to feel good about. Humorist Bob Orben
rightly said, “The next time you feel like complaining, remember that your
garbage disposal probably eats better than thirty percent of the people in
this world.” I want to leave room in my mind for a long gratitude list
that I can readily recall when I need a boost. I want to notice what's
good and right about the world. And I want to fill my heart and head with
that which brings some joy so that I may go to bed each evening contented.
Attitudes are habits. Like television producer Barbara Gordon says, “While
others may argue about whether the world ends with a bang or a whimper, I
just want to make sure mine doesn't end with a whine.” I can't put it any
better than that.
By Steve Goodier
Read and meditate on these scriptures:
Ephesians 4:31-32 “Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour,
and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind
one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for
Christ's sake hath forgiven you.”
Philippians 2:14-16 “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; Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day
of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.”
1 Peter 3:10-12 “For he that will love life, and see good days, let him
refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: Let
him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it. For the
eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and His ears are open unto their
prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.”
Colossians 3:16-17 “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all
wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and
spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And
whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God and the Father by Him.”
All of these scriptures can be found in the King James Version Bible.
Today’s Selected Poem: EVEN IF
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/enpoem108.htm
Today’s Selected Testimony: TAKING A GOOD LOOK
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/testimony189.htm
In Christ’s Service,
Dwayne Savaya
God’s Work Ministry |
