It is no secret that we all struggle with sin in our lives, it is also no secret that oftentimes we are overcome by that sin. I could spend the rest of this article simply detailing my own personal struggle with sin; but that would result in pages of confession and I doubt you would have time to read it all in just one week. The point is this; we all sin and fall short of the glory of God (for the Bible tells us so “Romans 3:23”). But, today I want to talk to you about the sin that so often permeates through either ourselves or persons close to us. It consumes a person’s heart and hardens that heart into stone, it ostracizes them from others and makes them unbearable to be around, and worst of all, it distances them from the loving voice of Jesus.
I’m talking about the sin of grumbling….
The dictionary describes grumbling as, “the action or fact of complaining in a bad-tempered way.” This seems clear enough; a grumbler is a complainer, right? Well, it’s a little bit more serious than that. In Paul’s letter to the Philippians he writes, “Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.” Paul points to the fact that grumbling is part of a crooked and twisted generation and that it should be avoided at all costs!
But Pastor Mike, you may ask, what is so bad about lodging a few complaints now and then? I would argue probably nothing, but there is a difference between complaining and grumbling. The biblical definition of grumbling is, “a secret displeasure not openly avowed; a grudging thought that is secretly held within.” The problem with grumbling is that it never actually get’s to a solution because the grumbler doesn’t want a solution, the grumbler only wants to complain or hold a grudge. And if we are not careful, we as Christians can be consumed by the grumbling spirit that permeates in our society.
A true Christian could never be a grumbler, simply because they know their lives have been redeemed by Jesus. A true Christian could never be consumed by grudges, because they know all such things should be laid at the foot of the cross and forgiveness should be poured out like rain. And yet, if you ask any christian or good ol’ church goer in Fairfield, they can name several persons among the Christian community to embody this spirit of grumbling. What is happening? What has happened is that people can be consumed by constant pessimism, constant unhappiness and the constant ability to see only negative things around them. They become grumblers and their method of communication is increasingly negative. Which is of complete contrast to the message of God.
The enemy looks for every opportunity to discredit and destroy the legacy and grace filled message of Jesus Christ. In the battle between good and evil, evil often uses Christ’s own followers to bring about damage to the church. Think about it this way, what better way to misguide others about Christianity than by turning the followers of Christ into negative, grumbling, bickering, and miserable people. The gumbler in no way represents the love of God or the grace of Jesus, but instead embodies the spirit of the world.
Brothers and sisters, if we have been redeemed by Jesus then we never have reason to allow the darkness of grumbling fill our hearts. There is too much to be joyful about and too much at stake in our calling as disciples. We must rid ourselves of the evil spirit of grumbling and embrace the pure spirit of grace that encompasses the Risen Savior. But, as in all things, the choice is up to us on which path to take…..grace or grumble.
Your fellow servant of the Gospel,
Pastor Mike McVey
First United Methodist Church, Fairfield
ACS Chaplain – U.S. Coast Guard Base Galveston
(P.S. If you would like to contact or receive Pastor Mike’s weekly newsletter simply email him at pastormike@fumcfairfield.org)
