By
Shelby G. Floyd
Scripture says that the things that happened during the Old Testament economy were examples for God’s people today (1 Corinthians 10:6). Then the author gave an example of conduct that displeased God and which he punished severely:
“And do not grumble, as some of them did—and were killed by the destroying angel” (1 Corinthians 10:10).
This is a reference to the grumbling of the Israelites against Moses and Aaron. On this occasion 14,700 people died from the plague (Numbers 16:41, 49).
In the New Testament, we have the same warning given concerning the sin of complaining:
“Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life—in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing” (Philippians 2:14-16).
We have many examples of people murmuring, complaining and grumbling during the life of Christ and the apostles. Some complained because a lady showed her love for Christ in an extravagant way (Mark 14:3-9). Others complained because they felt like they were unfairly treated (Matthew 20:1-12). Still there were some who grumbled that Jesus did not associate with the right people, even though he came to call sinners to repentance (Luke 5:27-32).
Complaining becomes a habit and is discouraging to those who are trying to serve the Lord. Let each of us be a positive influence for Christ by being an encourager of others. In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus declared,
“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16).
Let us be shining stars in the midst of a dark and perverse world!
Shelby G. Floyd
Heartland Church of Christ
1693 West Main Street
Greenwood, Indiana 46142
Copyright © 2017 Shelby G. Floyd, All Rights Reserved