DO NOT GRUMBLE

God is pretty clear about grumbling, murmuring and complaining. He says do not do it, and he says it repeatedly. You think if God takes the time to repeat himself then we should listen and obey.

Numbers 13-14 tells of ALL the children of Israel murmuring against Moses and Aaron, God's anointed. They saw the land God promised, flowing with milk and honey like God promised, but did not trust God to deliver them from the strong men and walled cities. All of them grumbled except Joshua and Caleb who's hearts were for the Lord, who trusted God to deliver them into the promised land. All of Israel wanted to stone them for it. Because of their hearts for God, God delivered Joshua and Caleb into the promised land while the grumblers all perished in the wilderness.

Grumbling is contagious. When we grumble, others will inevitably join in. Grumblers attract each other bringing division in the body. In Numbers 13 all the leaders of the tribes were sent out to scout out the land and all but two grumbled, and that turned into all of Israel.

"And all the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron...." Numbers 14:2

Grumbling is contentious. It will cause controversy and arguing in the body. Grumbling is reactive, a reaction to something, but when it leads to arguing it escalates and becomes proactive. Grumbling is putting yourself before God and others, making ourself more important that we should. Remember all of Israel wanted to stone Joshua and Caleb, Numbers 14:10

"From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence even of your lusts that war in your members? Ye lust and have not ye kill and desire to have and cannot obtain, ye fight and war yet ye have not because ye ask not. Ye ask and receive not because ye ask amiss that ye may consume it upon your lusts." James 4:1-3

Grumbling is condemned by God. Continued grumbling can result in physical and spiritual death.

"Murmur not, brethren, one against another, that ye be not condemned, behold the judge standeth before the doors. " James 5:9

"Neither murmur ye as some of them also murmured and were destroyed of the destroyer." 1 Corinthians 10:10

i say just don't do it, don't grumble, murmur, complain or argue. We must check ourselves before we speak, be slow to speak (James 1:19) before we lead others astray with our words and attitude. before we cause division in the body. Replace the nastiness of grumbling with love, being kind, being pure, being holy.. put off the old man and old conversation and put on the new man and new conversation in Christ Jesus (Colossians 3:9-10, Ephesians 4:22-23).

"Use hospitality one to another without grudging." 1 Peter 4:9

"Do all things without murmurings and disputings." Philippians 2:14

In these last days it is imperative that we stay in a constant state of prayer, continuing in our reading of the Word, fasting and not forsaking the gathering together of the faithful. We must always know the heart of God. Be ready to stand against the tide of evil that is flowing, be ready for the return of Jesus.