How I Stopped Complaining Part 1

by Lynn Mosher,
(Louisville, KY)

First of all, what’s my beef? Is it:

…that my husband leaves his socks on the floor, the cabinets doors open, leaves the lights on, forgets to carry out the garbage?

…or that my children won’t clean up their rooms, won’t make the right choices, leave God out of their schedule?

…or that my server brought my salad after my entrée, didn’t fill my water glass, brought me someone else’s meal, or ignored me altogether?

…or that the person in line in front of me at the express-lane checkout has more than the required items?

…or that the person in front of me on the expressway is going too slow in the fast lane?

…or that I was ignored for a promotion at work?

…or that someone else stole the recognition for my idea?

…or that my mother-in-law hates everything I do?

…or that my best friend stabbed me in the back?

…or that those in the government would…whatever?

…or that I suffer a never-ending illness or maybe it’s just some little ache or pain?

…or…or…oh, the endless list of or’s!

Second, do we complain out loud or silently under our breath?

The list above is not from personal experience. Well, maybe some of it is, but what I have learned is that if that other person I complain about, or to, were Jesus? Then what would I do? Yell at Him while shaking my finger in His face? I don’t think so.

I learned a long time ago that complaining never did anything for me except put me in a rotten mood. On the other hand, there are those rare occasions when a few well-placed words will right a legitimate wrong. However, that is not what we are talking about here.

If I pitch my tent on some complaint, it only reinforces negative feelings within me and affects my relationship with another person adversely. Not only that, negativity destroys other areas of my life and separates me from my fellowship with the Lord.