Grumble
We have been looking at James 5:7-11
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. 8 You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. 9 Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door. 10 As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11 Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.
Do not grumble against one another…. How do you define grumble? Whining? Complaining? Ill-tempered? It is easy to see it that way because of our culture. But James is a Jewish man writing to a Jewish people. When they hear grumbling they will have Old Testament flashbacks. Verses like Exodus 14:11-1, Exodus 15:22-25, Exodus 16:18 and Exodus 17:3-4 show that the grumbling is a serious problem. It is dwelling on the negative and turning that feeling upon your neighbor. Even worse it is showing a lack of gratitude for God’s providence, a lack of faith in “give us this day our daily bread” and lack of empathy to our neighbor. It actually places us in conflict with God’s command in 1 Thessalonians 5:18
give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you
God says do not grumble. Not against Him or against each other.
But it’s more than that. Don’t grumble…why….so that you will not be judged. That moves us to the next part of the Lord’s Prayer. “Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.” …and the Judge is at the door. Christ is present in our lives. He is coming again.
That is why Jesus spoke the parable of the Unforgiving servant: Matthew 18:21-35
Take a minute and read it.
That is why our grumbling matters. When we grumble the focus comes off of the masters generosity, mercy and forgiveness and instead the talk of the town becomes our self-interest and need for retribution.
Grumbling is easy. It also feeds our sinful nature.
How do you beat it? How do you stay positive?
Remember what Jesus did for you. Look to the cross. Participate in Worship and be in the Word.
When you realize how much Jesus loves you, it is easier to lay aside your grumbling.
Do note that I said easier…not easy. This is a discipline, and it’s gonna take practice.
Practice starts Sunday at 9:30….see you there!
- Pastor Dan