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
Grumbling or complaining. Sometimes it is so tempting when things are not as we want them to be. Although seldom do we label it as grumbling. We are just sharing our feelings, not complaining. But whatever you call your words, if they are not beneficial in building up other people, they have no place.
Within the church, we complain about many things. The music is old-fashioned. The music is all empty praise choruses. The sermons are too long. The sermons don’t challenge me. The preacher is stepping on too many toes, rocking the boat. People dress too casually or too formally. Too much evangelism. Not enough evangelism. This person’s habits are unsuitable or ungodly. Another person talks too much. And that person talks too much about themselves. And on and on it goes.
Now not everyone is guilty of grumbling. At least not verbally. But it happens enough to be a problem. It was in James’ day. And it is in ours as well. Grumbling is divisive and detrimental to the harmony of the body. It has no place. Instead of grumbling, learn to encourage and build up those around you. Give correction if it is necessary. But don’t just complain.
