Stop Complaining and Start Gaining (6)

‘Do everything without complaining...’ Philippians 2:14 NIV

Here are three final thoughts on complaining. First, don’t make a complaint, make a request. However legitimate your gripe, you’ll be heard as complaining-greatly reducing the likelihood of a good outcome. Whatever the cause, you’re more likely to get what you ask for graciously, than you are to cure what you’re complaining about. Asking, ‘Would you be willing to do this [a preferred specific behaviour] rather than that [the old behaviour]?’ is respectful, clear, avoids argument over past issues that can’t be changed, and always brings a better result. Second, all right, you’ve said it, now let God work. Changing people is God’s job, so back off, be patient and give Him a chance. ‘But doesn’t somebody need to supervise them to be sure they change?’ Unless they’re behind bars and you’re their prison guard, the answer is no! Get out of God’s way and let Him do what you can’t. He has ways and means you never dreamed of. When He’s allowed to take over the job it gets done properly! Third, what should you do while waiting for God to work? Well, you could sit around ruminating, resenting and rehashing the past, or you could take lessons from Joseph. He’d every reason to complain about his family’s treatment and to take revenge when the tables turned in his favour. Instead he conscientiously and skilfully did what he had to do, watching for the strategic moments every problem offers, when he could align himself to become part of the solution. He did, his family was reunited, and God promoted him to even greater blessing. Learn from him!