Whining is a joy-stealer

Good morning everyone,

Our theme for this month: “Living with joy”

Our Bible verse for today: ‘Do everything without grumbling and arguing.” Philippians 2:14 (CSB)

Our thought for today: “Whining is a joy-stealer”

I know the Bible is complete and therefore, we are not to take anything away from it and we are also not to add anything to it. I know that’s true. And yet, I can’t help but believe there was supposed to have been an 11^th Commandment, “Thou shalt not whine.”

Seriously, I have little patience for people who whine. You know, like I’m doing right now, I’m whining about people who whine. But whining really is a big problem, and for many reasons. For one thing, it’s irritating. Here’s a news flash: When you whine all the time nobody feels sorry for you! More than anything, they get irritated with you and they wish you would just stop.

Also, whining makes you miserable. It keeps you focused on the things that bother you, and the more you think about them, the more they will bother you. Then the more they bother you, the more you think about them and the more you will whine about them. Whining is self-defeating. It steals your joy and it steals the joy of the people who have to listen to you – and it never makes anything better, only worse.

Now, it’s okay to acknowledge things that are wrong and which need to be addressed. And it’s certainly appropriate to discuss the situation with others to get their insights and suggestions. But there’s a big difference between objective evaluation and constructive discussion, and whining. Objective evaluation and constructive discussion help to deal with the situation in a positive way that ultimately makes it better. Whining is critical and self-absorbed, and it helps nothing.

Christians shouldn’t be whiners. If there are things that concern you there are constructive Biblical ways to deal with those issues. Whining is not one of those constructive ways. The other thing to know about whining is that it is a terrible witness to the unbelieving world. If that’s the best your faith can do for you then why would someone else be interested in your faith?

When it comes to living what you profess to believe, there is no room for whining. Jesus came to bring us joy (John 15:11). Whining is a joy-stealer. It steals your joy and it steals the joy of those who have to listen to you.

God bless,
Pastor Jim

(Note: I will be going on a short mission trip to eastern Kentucky tomorrow. So, this will be the last daily devotional message until Saturday November 2^nd. At that time, we will continue our theme of living with joy. Please keep our team in your prayers.)

(If you like what you’re reading in these daily devotionals, and if you would like more content from Oak Hill Baptist Church, join us on Sundays at 10:00, in-person if you are nearby or, if you are geographically distant or if you just can’t make it, online at www.YouTube.com/@oakhillbaptistcrossville

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