Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door! - James 5:9 (NIV)
Think about last week, how many daily conversations were built around complaining? Have you scrolled through facebook, twitter... social media lately? The screen is littered with woeful posts, status updates, and negativity.
Have you also noticed that the viral nature of gossip seems to always pick up an essence of criticism? As followers of Christ, we are certainly not immune from criticizing others - but we are warned and instructed to shut it down.
Christians should never be the culprit of dragging other people down a road of complaining and criticism. We have a responsibility to keep one another in check. The church is a house of joyful people - right?
Joyful abundant life will remain out of our reach if we carry around scowls and critical spirits. Telling others we are Christian while tearing people down with our gossip, rumors, attitude, and criticism only builds walls between us - it makes us hypocrites.
It's hard for many people to find a compelling reason to join a community of faith who spends more time focusing on why some people are bad vs. why ALL are worthy of God's love.
When you want to join the complaining... just stop. Rather, find the joy inside of the conversation and don't contribute to the criticism. Your silence will speak loudly to the others.
Build up others, don't tear them down. Jesus Christ was firm, exact, honest, and direct, we should follow the same path. Christ focused his teaching on restoration, healing, and building up his followers - not complaining about them nor complaining about His condition.
THE RIGHT NEXT STEP:
- Compliment 3 people today while in their presence. Offer them a glimpse of joy and care. Build them up and watch what happens to you.
PRAY: God, I want to be known as a man who mends walls - not destroys them. Help me to avoid destructive conversations and give me the wisdom and spirit to build others up with Your confidence. Amen.