Topic:  GRUMBLING OR GRATEFUL? – By Dr. Jeff Schreve  – From His Heart 24 July  2024

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GRUMBLING OR GRATEFUL?

Do all things without grumbling or disputing; that you may prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world. Philippians 2:14-15

Have you ever been on a long car trip and your air conditioning goes out? Debbie and Amy (our middle daughter) and I drove to Austin, Texas last June with no a/c. To say the least, it was a long, hot drive. To compound the situation, we got into a five-car pile up on the freeway and were forced to wait on the police for two hours (in the sun). Our six-hour trip to Austin ended up taking about nine hours. It was a major test for me – and I got an “F-“. I grumbled and griped and complained the whole way. UGH!

After 47 years on this earth, I have learned an important lesson about myself: I am really good at grumbling. I can do it without even thinking about it. It just comes naturally for me. Does it for you too?

The Scripture above commands us to “do all things without grumbling.” How many things? ALL THINGS! In the Greek, the word for grumbling is goggusmos – what a perfect word for it! Goggusmos is a word that sounds like its meaning (onomatopoeia). Say it aloud and listen to the grumbling and murmuring in the pronunciation of it. The Lord tells His children, “No goggusmos, kids!” In everything, give thanks – not gripes and complaints (1 Thes. 5:18).

THREE LITTLE SINS?

There are three “little sins” that infiltrate our daily lives in such a subtle way that we don’t even notice it. These three seemingly minor sins are like termites that eat away the peace, joy and power of the Christian life. Will you notice the “little three” and commit to eradicating them from your life?

1. Grumbling. If you will keep Phil. 2:14-15 on the forefront of your mind, you will be amazed at how much you complain and gripe about things in your life. The more aware you are, the more effective you can be at making changes in your daily conversation. When David was according through terrible circumstances in his life he said, “I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth” (Ps. 34:1).

2. Gossiping. “Have you heard what I heard about Pastor Jones?” “No, but do tell (so I have something juicy to tell others).” Gossip is rampant among so many Christians, and it is so very destructive. It destroys people, families, churches, and movements of God. The Lord HATES gossip. He hates it when we spread strife among brothers (Prov. 6:19). Are you a gossip? “Oh no, not me,” you say. Listen: gossip is a lot like bad breath, you can detect it on others but not on yourself. Ask someone you love and trust to check your “gossip breath.” Make the commitment to not share gossip and not listen to it! It is the devil’s poison that steals, kills and destroys.

3. Stinking Thinking. Philippians 4:8 tells us to think only on the things that are true, honorable, right, pure, lovely and praiseworthy. We need to fill our minds, hearts and mouths with words of faith and victory, not words of unbelief and defeat. Put a guard on the door of your mind. Don’t let anything in that does not pass the Philippians 4:8 test.

THE RESULT?

You will be amazed at how your life will change for the better as you eliminate these three “little sins,” these three diseases of mind and mouth. Peace, joy and faith will replace the negative, fearful, grumbling, sour demeanor that so many unknowingly have and unconsciously share with others on a daily basis. Will you take the challenge? You will have everything to gain and nothing to lose, except the goggusmos!

Love,

Pastor Jeff Schreve,
From His Heart Ministries

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