October 11, 2022 – Reflection on “Contentment Versus Grumbling!”

But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. 1 Timothy 6:6-8.

         Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door. James 5:7-9.

        We have two choices. When the verses in James 1:2-4 found me, I knew the peace that comes from finding blessings in every day assurance of happenings around me. Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

         What is contentment? Having everything go our own way? No, it is being content with the joy of knowing our Lord God, who gives and sustains life. He created the world and is in control of all things. Contentment is delight, gladness, pleasing and satisfied. While Grumbling is complaining, griping, whining, impatient, and unforgiving.

         Reading Exodus gives us an idea of how the Children of Israel grumbled and complained about their 40 years of travel in the wilderness. Even when God provided manna and water, they were sure they had it better while in slavery to the Egyptian people.

         Grumbling leads to ranting, to blaming God for the lack of what some think are definite necessities for a good life. Often, we find the words, Do not fear! In ESV, there are sixty-six times when this admonition is given. When we trust God, we praise Him. When we love Him, we do not fear (I John 4:18)

         From Paul in the letter to the Philippians, is how to find content. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance, and need. Philippians 4:11-12.

       Paul, the apostle, thrown into prison for teaching Jesus and his feet were placed in stocks in prison. Did he grumble? Although the pain was excruciating, yet he praised God. About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. Acts 16:25-26.

         How often we think we think we have all the answers. We forget our Creator knows all. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and turn away from evil. Proverbs 3:5-7.

         Who is Jesus? He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by Him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. And He is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in Him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through Him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of His cross. Colossians 1:15-20.

         Complaining has unwanted side effects, a life of doom and bad luck, and causes us to doubt God’s goodness for our lives. Grumbling causes our unbelief to grow and invites all of life to become a pity party, wanting sympathy, anger, or bitterness.

         When Grumbling becomes our way of life, we miss the mark of what God planned for us. He wants a relationship of love, serving others and humility, plus, for our conversation to be filled with encouragement and life.

         During one of our phone calls, my Aunt Irene shared a song she used to sing 90 years ago (she is 99 now). Here are the lyrics: In country, town or city some people can be found, Who spend their lives in grumbling at ev’rything around. O, yes, they always grumble, No matter what we say, For these are chronic grumblers and they grumble night and day. Oh They, Grumble on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Grumble on Thursday, too. Grumble on Friday, Saturday, Sunday. Grumble the whole week through! (This song is on YouTube.)

          Which do you choose? To be content in Jesus, or grumble your way through life without knowing the Joy of being a Child of God?