“Do everything readily and cheerfully—no bickering. . . . Go out into the world uncorrupted, a breath of fresh air in this squalid and polluted society” (Phil. 2:14–15 The Message).
The other day, my wife Leona had a conference call with some friends. These were not “ordinary” friends. They have been friends since high school and university. They started out by having a lot in common, and over time, much of the commonality has changed. A couple of them are teachers, one is an ultrasound tech, one is a nurse, one is an editor; some are mothers, some are not; one lives abroad; and so on. Two of them are even married to pastors. Although they differ in many ways, including belief in the Almighty, there is one thing that has stayed consistent: Every year they get together for a trip in the summer. Sometimes it's close, sometimes not so close. Their video conference call was to catch up and be “together face to face.”
Afterwards, Leona shared a concern from two of the ladies that I cannot get out of my head—I think, in part, because it has to be shared. Two of them work on the front lines at the hospital (nurse, ultrasound), and they shared this: they are trying to stay away from Facebook because of all the complaining from people who have to stay home. They shared how they would love to be able to stay at home, safe with their families. Yet, they must serve the public as they minister to the sick, dangerously close to anyone who may be carrying the COVID-19 virus. Then, they must take major precautions to cleanse before they go home to their family. They are stressed working in a potentially highly dangerous environment, but when they come home to relax and connect with friends and family using Facebook, they see a lot of grumbling on there. They have wisely chosen to limit their Facebook time.
My personal reading this morning was from Exodus 16. I see a correlation between the Israelites, that were being led by Moses and Aaron, and the God's people of today.
“The whole company of Israel complained against Moses and Aaron there in the wilderness” (Ex. 16:2 The Message).
Leona's friends were right. We are turning into a grumbling nation/people because life—as we know it—has changed.
Here are some examples from Facebook (Do you see any that you have posted?): complaints about our PM and premiers; complaints about other world leaders; complaints about what is on the shelves in the stores; complaints about some areas being; complaints about having to watch the kids 24/7 (yep, I saw one of these); complaints about what is on TV; and complaints about how the government is not going to tell them what to do (these comments get me grumbling about their comments).
We are a grumbling people, but we don't have to continue in our grumbling—especially if we read about what happened to the Israelites due to their grumbling :)
I want to put out a challenge to each of you—if you call yourself a child of God, followers of the Christ. Starting today, only post what is good. Post a song to cheer someone up. Post something funny or something encouraging. Before you click the post button, ask yourself, Am I grumbling or complaining?
Starting today, only post what is good. Post a song to cheer someone up. Post something funny or something encouraging. Before you click the post button, ask yourself, Am I grumbling or complaining?
Now this challenge is for Christians, but I know those who do not believe read this as well. Here is your challenge: Outdo your Christian friends in what you know they are called to do. Beat them at not grumbling. Post more humour/encouragement than they do. Keep the music rolling! There are some who are inclined to always grumble, whine, complain. You know who they are. What do you do when you read their post? Just keep scrolling. Do not stop.
“Run away from infantile indulgence. . . . Refuse to get involved in inane discussions; they always end up in fights” (2 Tim. 2:22–23 The Message).
These people want you to comment. Do not do it. Send a message by not posting a message. And, if you cannot control yourself—if the temptation is too strong—then respond with something positive and encouraging. YOU CAN DO IT! Think about these two ladies at the hospital, working hard, putting their health on the line. Think about them coming home to their families, and just on the off-chance, think of them opening Facebook. Now think about them reading your post or your comment, and it is your post, or that comment, that puts a smile on their face after a long hard day of work, while we get to sit at home—Facebooking.
“The people read it and were glad for its encouraging message” (Acts 15:31 NIV).