3 Reasons to Live Grumble-Free

How easy it is to grumble! When winter hits, we complain about the snow or—where I live—the rain. When summer arrives, we whine about the heat and the watering restrictions.

If our workload overwhelms us, we might complain about having too much to do and not enough free time. But if we lose our jobs, we grumble about having too much time on our hands and not enough money to pay the bills.

If we live in cramped quarters, we might complain about not having enough space. But if we live in a large house, we whine about the amount of housework it requires to stay clean.

Please don’t ask me why I chose those specific examples. That’s far too personal!

Anyway, as I thought about this topic today, I came up with three reasons for why believers should strive to lead a grumble-free life:

It’s our God-given mandate

Philippians 2:14 says,

“In everything you do, stay away from complaining and arguing.” Not much room for argument there.

It sets an example

Philippians 2:14-15 continues,

“… so that no one can speak a word of blame against you. You are to live clean, innocent lives as children of God in a dark world full of crooked and perverse people. Let your lives shine brightly before them.”

A grumble-free life shows others that we’re content with God’s control over our circumstances. We convey the message that He is trustworthy.

It reflects God’s character

1 Chronicles 17:6 reveals God’s words to King David via the prophet Nathan.

“I have never lived in a house, from the day I brought the Israelites out of Egypt until this very day. My home has always been a tent, moving from one place to another in a Tabernacle. Yet no matter where I have gone with the Israelites, I have never once complained to Israel’s leaders, the shepherds of my people. I have never asked them, ‘Why haven’t you built me a beautiful cedar house?’”

If anyone has reason to grumble and complain, God does, especially when He looks upon mankind and the manner in which we treat Him. And yet He refrains. Instead, He teaches us to develop contentment and to practice gratitude and praise.

The next time I catch myself grumbling, I’m going to call to mind these three reasons for not doing so. Maybe I’ll even make a fridge note that says, “Grumble-Free Zone” so the reminder not to grumble is always within view.