"Gripe, Gripe Your Face Is A Sight!"

I remember in my youth one of my teachers never put up with complaining in her classroom. One day a fellow by the name of Rick, a notorious complainer about everyone and everything, walked into her classroom, noticed she had rearranged the seating and he didn't like it. He had something wrong with his eyes and couldn't see that well. As he let her know with his whiny complaining, she looked at him and said, "Gripe, gripe your face is a sight!" It's funny how things like that stick with you.

We also see this today. There are too many complainers. There are people who complain when things go well! Some people have grumbled so long, they think it is a normal part of life. We see them in the church, our homes, our jobs and our friendships. No matter what comes, good or bad, they find something to grumble about. Grumblers rob people of good! I've heard fathers rob their children of something innocent because of a 'grumbly' disposition. (I might be talking about me!!!) Don't we realize people don't like to be around grumblers and complainers? Do we not realize God doesn't approve of grumbling and questionings?

Paul was a prisoner. He sat in the recess of the dungeons, chained as a common criminal, amidst the rats, filth and true criminals and wrote the book of Philippians. What was his crime? He love and preached about His Lord! In his letter, he told the Philippians to "do all things without grumbling and disputing." (Phil. 2:14) Grumbling and disputing (or questionings) are not part of God's word. We are to work out our salvation we possess and that means we stop the grumbling and disputing! Unbelievers grumble! When we talk about grumblers, it is not necessarily out loud. The word means "an undertone to secretly complain." Disputing arise out of grumbling which can bring about an argument.

Grumbling and disputing were the characteristics that caused the nation of Israel's downfall. Grumbling and disputing are nothing more than spiritual rebellion! When people grumble, in many cases they stretch the truth about a situation or problem. Go back and read Numbers 21:1-9 and you will see this.

Grumblers, complainers are stopping God's work in them (Phil. 2:13). There are things that happen we might not like but it might be for our betterment. Sometimes things need to happen to teach us to trust, to walk with a good attitude and gain insight from the Lord. Jude speaks of those in the church that are not in a right relationship with the Lord. Here is how they are described: "Grumblers, finding fault, following after their own lusts; they speak arrogantly, flattering people for the sake of gaining an advantage." (Jude 16)

To take a good attitude, look for the good in situations is what proves us to be children of God in the midst of a crooked world (Phil. 2:15). The only way others can see the Lord is through us! It's God at work in us and through us. Grumblers never help in the home, the workplace or the church. They hinder the work of God and yes, their face is a sight!