By: Pastor Jarren Rogers

“Christ was willing to suffer and to be despised; do you dare to complain of anything?” – Thomas à Kempis

I think our natural instinct sways us to complain. When we face circumstances that we see as unfair or situations that don’t go according to plan, grumbling is our first response.

“Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain” (Philippians 2:14-16).

In a sense, complaining aggravates our burdens where instead we are told to offer them to Christ.

Think about this: If praise is offering thanksgiving to God, then what is complaining

When your first response is to complain offer praise instead. There is always something to complain about but there are more things to thank God for. Offer Him the praise that He is due in all circumstances.

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

This is hard to do. I know. But I want to encourage you (and me) to give up on complaining. Every time you find yourself about to complain, offer God praise for something instead. If you accidentally complain, offer God three thanksgivings.

This simple rule will revolutionize your lifestyle, your home, and your workplace. Think about it. People don’t like to be around someone who complains all the time. People don’t enjoy spending time with someone who is negative.

Be the person who offers positivity because of what God has done for you. Be the person who is thankful in all things because of the blessings that God has laid upon you. Be the person who offers praise to God simply because he is good.

Allow other people to feed off of your positivity. Watch as people are naturally attracted to your positive outlook. Observe as people come to you when they face tough situations because they know that you will offer an encouraging word. Allow God to use you to shed His light on a dark, negative world.

And give Him praise.

Parents: Read your children both of the verses above. Install the rule of no complaining in your household and offer praise instead.