Day 23 - The Complaining Tongue

Complain - to express dissatisfaction, pain etc. grumble about, to make a formal accusation.

I believe complaining has become an 'acceptable' sin. One that is accepted by man but displeasing to God, but we do it anyway. It is so commonplace in all circles that we have trouble discerning complaining from ordinary conversation. None of us are exempt from this kind of temptation. It is almost odd when someone does not complain. God wants us to behave differently though.
Philippians 4:14,15 'Do everything without complaining or arguing so that you may become blameless and pure children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe.'
Deborah Pegues writes ,' Someone once said,"To swear is wicked because it is taking God's name in vain. To murmur is like-wise wicked for it takes God's promises in vain." During your tongue fast, become aware of how often you complain about nonessential matters such as a rainy day, traffic jams, boring television programs, lazy coworkers and so on. Because complaining is contagious, this is a hard mouth malady to cure.'
Look at some of the words used to describe complaining; bellyaching, bemoaning, snivelling, whimpering, whining, yammering. Even these words seem unappealing and annoying. How much are we really trusting God when we talk like this?
There may be legitimate complaints but these can only be resolved if they are directed to the one who can change your situation. Instead of getting all those around you to join in the complaining party, use your energy and time to try and improve things. Praise or approve of something, or take part in the resolution of the issue.
If there is something only God can change, take it up with Him, He can handle it.
Psalm 142:1,2 'I cry aloud to the Lord; I lift up my voice to the Lord for mercy. I pour out my complaint before Him, before him I tell my trouble.'
The author encourages us whenever we feel a complaint coming on, replace it with a statement of gratitude or a declaration of a Scripture you have personalized. Try this.
Speaking the Truth
Philippians 4:12,13 ' I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him (Christ) who strengthens me.'
John 14:1 'Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, trust also in me.'

Excerpted from 30 Days to Taming Your Tongue by Deborah Smith Pegues (Harvest House Publishers 2005). Autographed copy of the book and workbook available at www.confrontingissues.com.