Yes there are things that we do not like to hear, see or feel. Yes we have the right to share our negative opinions. We are free people to be considered and so we are also given the right to utter complaints. Apparently for some people, it is much easier to complain than to think and talk about the solution to their problem. I say, it is never wise to perceive complain as the initial act to solve a conflict. It is never a solution nor a help to find a solution to any problem. Complaints are not a pleasant music to listen to. It knocks down the one who hears it and steals one's peace. Talk about torment.
In Exodus 16, the Israelites complained to God because they thought it was much better for them to stay in Egypt as slaves rather than walk in the desert heading towards the promise land having nothing to eat. During that point of their lives as chosen people of God, they had forgotten that it was God who brought them out of Egypt and that brought them into complaining. See, the same thing applies to us. Whenever we forget the Lord our God and the mighty things he has done over our lives, we start to complain.
One afternoon, I had a one-on-one meeting with the school principal. One of the many things we talked about was my pay for a "task" (I'm afraid this would be read by "odd" people). The amount she told me that I'm gonna receive was less than what I had in mind. I almost fell from where I was seated because of disappointment. But the Christian in me shouted at me to remind me of who i am in Christ Jesus: that i am well-provided for by God. He is my Rewarder. Right then, a positive attitude arose in me. I thanked God for saving me from complaining. I thanked God for reminding me that I have more than enough. A few hours later, Karl, one of my members in my cell group, shared to me how hungry he and Bryshniff (also one of my 12) were after going to a school to talk to the principal. With only a few coins in the pocket, they bought something to eat. They were both enthusiastic servants in the ministry and I am blessed to see them not complaining while serving even though they were already hungry.
Whether you do not like you current job, or how you are being treated at school; whether you are always short with your allowance or don't have anything to wear for the party tonight; whether you are a boy who's too short of to be accepted in the basketball team or a girl who's too fat; whether you don't like you boss's leadership or your teacher's terroristic love for teaching; whatever the circumstances may be, remember the Lord our God and the marvelous things he has done in your life. Stop complaining.
