Articles
Resist the Urge to Complain
Resist the Urge to Complain
Tyler King
The church in Cambodia is wonderful. They are loving, kind, generous, and very smiley. However, there seems to be one thing missing; complaining. Especially considering all the things they don't have! Most of them go without A/C in 94 degree jungle weather. Starbucks can't be found down the street. It seems that the main item for the lunch menu is "I'm sorry, we're out of that." Instead of luxurious cars, a large majority have mopeds or TukTuks and travel is somewhat limited to a 10 mile radius . Traffic lights are scarce which means there is an abundance of traffic havoc. Yet, there seems to be little to no complaining.
Perhaps the reason why there is a lack of complaining is because they look at what they have instead of what they don't. Sometimes we are so quick to feel entitled to things. In reality, the only thing that we truly deserve is an eternal punishment. It only takes one sin to be guilty, and I guarantee I have sinned myriads more than one. Yet, God has pardoned our sin and allowed His Son to interrupt that judgment. We didn't deserve salvation, which means everything on top of that is somewhat of a bonus.
When an individual receives a bonus at work, it's usually a gift or a surprise. The paycheck is expected, but the bonus is a gift. God went above and beyond by providing us His very own Son to die in our place... and then He gives us blessings in this life. For one to say that God is not loving would be the utmost of ignorance. But for one to complain about various aspects of life is a sign of pride of self-indulgence. Sure, it is good to expect reward for work. Even Paul would indicate that a worker is worthy of his wages (1 Timothy 5:18). But typically, a bonus is an unexpected entity. As said earlier, God has gone above and beyond in providing for us.
Do you want to be a light in the world? Stop complaining. Just a few words before Paul talks about how we ought to be lights in the world, he pens the words, "do all things without grumbling and disputing" (Phil. 2:14). Why do so many people complain? Because it's easy. Mrs. Sharon and I have agreed to smack each other on this mission trip whenever one of us gripes about the heat. Maybe this is something to adapt on a larger scale. Hold each other accountable and feel free to smack the other person when a complaint arises. Much can be accomplished and unity can be found when petty complains get lost. Be thankful toward God for your personal Salvation and consider your blessings as just that; blessings.
