Complaining

"Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer." 1 Corinthians 10:10

    The Israelites were chronic complainers as they
trekked through the desert. They complained about the water supply.
They complained about the food supply. They complained about their
leaders. When God gave them manna from heaven, they soon grew tired of
it and longed for the leeks, onions and garlic of Egypt. Although there
were no food markets or shoe stores in the wilderness, God provided an
unfailing supply of groceries for forty years, and shoes that never
wore out. Yet instead of being grateful for this miraculous provision,
the Israelites complained without letup.

    Times haven't changed. Men today complain about
the weather: it's either too hot or too cold, too wet or too dry. They
complain about the food, like lumpy gravy or burnt toast. They complain
about their work and wages, then about unemployment when they have
neither. They find fault with the government and its taxes, at the same
time demanding ever-increasing benefits and services. They are unhappy
with other people, with their car, with service in the restaurant. They
complain about minor pains and aches, and wish they were taller,
thinner, better looking. No matter how good God has been to them, they
say, "What's He done for me lately?"

    It must be a trial to God to have people like us
on His hands. He has been so good to us, providing not only the
necessities of life, but luxuries which His own Son did not enjoy when
He was here upon earth. We have good food, pure water, comfortable
homes, clothes in abundance. We have sight, hearing, appetite, memory
and so many other mercies that we take for granted. He has protected
us, guided us and sustained us. Best of all, He has given us eternal
life through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. And what thanks does He
receive? Too often He hears nothing but a tirade of complaints.