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Grumble Much?

God asks us to give thanks in everything because this is how you live through anything. —Anne Voskamp

Do you ever notice yourself grumbling? Maybe you grumble about how your church worships, how your neighbor votes, or how your professor teaches. It shows your attitude at the time—your way of thinking or feeling about something. The Apostle Paul recognized the danger of grumbling, teaching us in Philippians 2 to “do everything without grumbling or arguing.”

Why would Paul make it a priority not to grumble? To start with, think about how God’s love is constant, overflowing, and enough for everyone. From the time we wake up until the time we go to bed, God cares for us. Through Jesus, God’s biggest blessing, we can have a close relationship with our Maker. And if that weren’t enough, He’s invited us to partner with Him in the meaningful mission of sharing His love with the world.

Now think about being grumpy and irritated—is it a match with God’s blessings and calling on our lives? How can we push back on a grumbling attitude that has crept in? Through gratitude.

Recognizing what we’re grateful for in the past, present, and future puts our lives in perspective, and helps us acknowledge the blessings God’s given us. We can see this attitude modeled by Jesus in Hebrews 12. In the face of death on the cross, Jesus had His eyes on the joy ahead of Him: a future with us, the people He had come to save.

For us, practicing gratitude could look like a simple time of reflection at the beginning or end of the day about things we’re grateful for. Or maybe regularly reciting the psalmist’s phrase:

This is the day that the LORD has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24 ESV

The spiritual practice of simplicity can be a help against grumbling as well—we can choose gratefulness and contentment instead of always buying more and better stuff.

When we remember what we’re thankful for, especially the joy ahead through Christ, our attitudes become more like that of Jesus.

Pray:God, thank You for Your constant blessings in my life, from the small daily things to my family and friends, to the greatest gift of all: sending Your Son to give me life to the full. Please help me to see the joy in front of me. Holy Spirit, please form in me the mind of Christ. In Jesus’ name, amen.