Complaining
And when the people complained, it displeased the LORD: and the LORD heard it; and his anger was kindled; and the fire of the LORD burnt among them, and consumed them that were in the uttermost parts of the camp. —Numbers 11:1
Complainers—Like the church Moses lead through the wilderness (Acts 7:38), every local church has them. They aren’t hard to find. You can usually spot them along the outskirts of a church’s ministries—Church members on the fringe. Notice our text says the complainers who displeased the Lord “were in the uttermost parts of the camp.” Strong’s Concordance, says the word “uttermost” means the “border; edge; outmost.” Church members who are in the middle and thick of God’s work rarely complain. They’re too busy serving God to grumble. Complainers are usually those who watch from the sidelines while others do most of the work.
- Complaining irritates God (Num. 11:1).
- Complaining infects others (Num. 11:4). Complaining not only hurts the whiner, it also influences those around him/her.
- Complaining incites lust (Num. 11:4; cf. James 1:14-15).
- Complaining impedes God’s blessings (Num. 11:6). God will never bless a grumbler or griper. If you desire God’s blessings, quit complaining!
Instead of whining about what you don’t have, be thankful for what you do have! Instead of complaining about a ministry try getting involved to make a ministry better! Instead of murmuring, try praising what you see is good.
