"Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear." - Ephesians 4:29
When you read this verse, what first comes to mind? Most people only think of cussing as corrupting talk. But it is not the only thing! Even though I do not have a problem with cussing, this verse still convicts me because I know that this means complaining and gossiping as well!
Numbers 11:1-3 says: "And the people complained in the hearing of the LORD about their misfortunes, and when the LORD heard it, his anger was kindled, and the fire of the LORD burned among them and consumed some outlying parts of the camp. Then the people cried out to Moses, and Moses prayed to the LORD, and the fire died down. So the name of that place was called Taberah, because the fire of the LORD burned among them."
God does not like to hear us complaining! God set the Israelites free from the control of Pharaoh and yet they were still complaining because they were hungry and tired!
Today, we complain so much and it is so unpleasing to God! It could be a little thing such as saying "I hate school, why do we have to go anyways?" I know I have said that before! God has blessed me so much and I still continue to complain about a little thing such as school! Going along the lines of my last blog post, even if we do not want to go to school, we need to do it without complaining and with a good attitude all for the glory of God!
"Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets;therefore do not associate with a simple babbler."
-Proverbs 20:19
Gossiping! God also hates gossiping! Just take a second to think about why you gossip? Does it make you feel good? Or are you simply doing it because the person you are talking about did something to you or you just dont like them? I know that when I think of that I get disgusted with myself! Those motives are so wrong! Most of the time people do it for revenge! It is so easy to start gossiping and not even notice you are! But that is why you need to, like the verse above says, surround yourselves with people that will keep you accountable to not gossip or complain!
"Whoever slanders his neighbor secretly I will destroy.Whoever has a haughty look and an arrogant heart I will not endure." -Psalm 101:5
Bobbie Gene, great blog! Complaining is something everyone can relate to, because on one level or another we all sin in this way. I like how you wrote about this being a sin before God. It's so true-anytime we complain we ultimately are complaining against the Lord. This is something I need to examine for in my own heart, and repent to the Lord when I complain.
ReplyDeleteKeep the blogs coming! I'm so glad you are using your time in this way. Love you!
Loving what you are thinking about and writing about, Bobbie...These activities alone will keep you on a path that pleases God...(and your parents :)
ReplyDeleteAwesome blog Bobbie! It's easy to try shrugging off conviction from verses like these by telling ourselves that we aren't profane or crude. However, gossiping and complaining seem to slide by much easier while still being just as bad!
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