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Is complaining a sin? If you asked this today, most people and even some believers would describe this activity as harmless, enjoyable, and even necessary. Likewise, the Israelites in the wilderness apparently shared these sentiments, frequently complaining to Moses and God about circumstances, sustenance, and leadership. By examining these accounts of Israel's grumbling, this activity's sinful nature comes to light.
While it is true that God graciously refrained from judging the Israelites in every instance they complained, the activity's sinfulness was very apparent in all of them. For example, the people complained in Exodus 15:22-26 about their lack of water, demonstrating a lack of faith despite all the past miracles God performed to ensure their survival. Despite this, after Moses interceded, God graciously did not punish the Israelites and provided them water. However, He did severely judge them in Numbers 21:4-6 after they raised hateful grumblings about their circumstances and food. After accusing God of wanting to kill them and complaining about the manna He graciously provided them, He allowed fiery serpents to bite and kill many of them. As seen in these and other instances of Israel complaining, this activity led them to sinfully raise accusations against God's perfect providence and goodness, which eventually resulted in Him rightfully punishing them with severe judgments.
Furthermore, examining the types of complaints we raise further exposes the activity's carnal roots. For example, many of them express dissatisfaction with circumstances; however, we are called to be thankful in them all in 1 Thessalonians 5:18. Furthermore, complaining about other people causes us to be unrighteously judgmental towards them, but Ephesians 4:32 calls us to be kind and gracious towards them. In addition, grumbling about what we do and do not have contradicts Hebrews 13:5's command to be content. As these verses reveal, complaining causes our hearts to be filled with discontentment, bitterness, and covetousness, all of which severely disrupt our relationship with God and greatly damage our Christlike witness before others.
Conversely, many other verses command us to exhibit continual thankfulness, a godly attitude that in multiple ways counters the temptation to complain. For example, gratitude fills our hearts with praise to God as Psalm 100:4 notes, which shifts our focus from circumstances to our loving Savior. Also, when we follow Psalm 106:1 and thank God for His unwavering love, our desire to share it with others grows. In addition, following Ephesians 5:20's command to be continually thankful for what we have protects us from covetous thoughts and actions. Thus, thankfulness is key to protecting our hearts from the spiritual pitfall of complaining.
Although complaining may bring fleshly pleasure, the arrogance, bitterness, and faithlessness it sows in our hearts can severely damage our relationship with God and others. Furthermore, as Israel learned, constant grumbling displeases the Lord and will eventually result in His righteous discipline. Thus, if we desire to be used by God and have an intimate relationship with Him, it is crucial that we submit to the thankful attitude He desires us to have, which can defeat all fleshly temptations to complain.
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