Stepping Stones: Complaining? Time For A Motive Check!

Transformational Tip
I was in restaurant the other day, the tables were close to each other...it was easy to hear (yes, eavesdrop on) the various groups talking. As I listened I realized there was a distinct pattern across the conversation - complaining. Everyone was complaining about something.
No one wins when you complain. You get all worked up, you keep pulling the scabs off of the sores that need to heal...and your complaining is almost always unwelcomed from those you are complaining to. Complaining to others puts you on dangerous ground. It actually opens the door to deadly sins such as pride, duplicity, laziness, self-pity, lack of forgiveness, bitterness, and rage.
When you look at the past, the goal needs to bring hope to the future. Complaining is not constructive remembering, it is destructive remembering.
Today, if you feel like complaining, talk with God about the difficult path you are on - He understands better than anyone else the stresses and strains that are affecting you. Talking it out with God will temper your thoughts, soothe your feelings, clear your perspective, and help you begin seeing things from His perspective. If you are complaining or listening to complaining, stop and take time to check your motives. Always remember where each of us came from, a sinner saved by grace... and there is a list of people with complaints about you, too.

Prayer
Dear Father God,
I have been on a long, uphill journey and my energy is almost depleted. In this state of mind I find myself all too quick to complain to others. I want to live by Your Word Lord...and Your Word teaches me to do everything without complaining. Help me Lord to bring my complaints only to You. Help to not ridicule others by complaining about them. Help me Lord to develop and maintain a thankful heart. I pray Lord that You help me send the message to others, in a gentle loving way, that complaining is wasteful and counterproductive. Help me lead them to You. I pray in Jesus' name - AMEN!

The Truth
Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe
Philippians 2:14-15
I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint
Jeremiah 31:25