Have you ever noticed how complainers have a way of finding each other, like pigeons flocking to a park bench covered in breadcrumbs? One minute you’re stuck in line behind someone griping about the weather, and before you know it, someone else chimes in with, “Oh, you think that’s bad? Let me tell you about how this cold wind is affecting my arthritis!” Suddenly, you’re surrounded and totally helpless, in the middle of a full-blown venting competition. It’s as if sharing misery is an Olympic sport and both of them are competing for the gold.
Seriously though, have you ever noticed how easy it is to slip into complaining about something? Whether it’s the weather, traffic, or the coworker who’s always microwaving fish in the office kitchen – we’ve all found ourselves grumbling about something. Complaining feels so natural that we don’t think twice about it. Sometimes, we even use it as a bonding tool, swapping horror stories like they’re badges of honor.
But here’s the uncomfortable truth: God doesn’t see our complaints as harmless venting. He sees them as sin.
Philippians 2:14-15a says, “Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure.”
That’s a high bar, isn’t it! The verse doesn’t say, “Do some things without grumbling” or “Complain only when it’s justified.” It says “everything.” God doesn’t like our complaints because they reveal a heart that’s dissatisfied with His provision and ungrateful for His blessings. When we grumble, we’re essentially telling God, “What you’ve given me isn’t good enough.” That’s not just unkind – it’s rebellion.
The world may see complaining as a normal part of life, maybe even a respectable sin. But let’s be real – God doesn’t respect any sin, He hates it. The good news is, through His grace, we can change. Instead of joining the crowd of complainers, we can stand out as people who choose not to complain. We can choose gratitude over grumbling, and contentment over criticism. You want a simple way to shine some of God’s light in a dark world? Don’t hang out with people who gossip and complain.
This is a great goal for me this year. I have only one day in the books for 2025, but I think I might’ve actually made it through the entire day today without complaining.
(On second thought, perhaps not… I might’ve ruined it with today’s devotional.)
Former Blackout Artist 