James 5:9
Do not complain, brethren, against one another, that you yourselves may not be judged; behold the Judge is standing right at the door.
We all have reasons, legitimate or not, to complain. When the going gets tough, how do we NOT complain?
By keeping our mouths closed.
By waiting. By doing nothing. Praying about the situation? Yes. Maybe. Maybe. Yes.
Complaining by definition is: the expression of dissatisfaction or annoyance about something or someone.
This verse doesn't say don't complain...ever. If the fire hydrant outside your house is spouting 20 feet into the air, and coming down on your car, you should call the water company and tell them. The verse says don't complain against one another. We will be judged for what we say against one another and the Judge is standing right at the door. This has a lot of implications and I'm pretty sure that sound judgement and wisdom will be called into play.
Complaining also seems to have an emotional aspect attached to it. It's personal. Maybe irritating. Have you heard the expression, "You're on my last nerve?" Lol! That's when we will complain.
So, if you are tempted to complain, and we all are, just...don't. Close your mouth until you can think things through. Ask for wisdom; God says He will give wisdom when we ask (James 1:5). In the heat of the moment, close your mouth. Otherwise, it looks like we will be judged by the Judge. And He's right at the door. Yikes! Let's stay out of trouble. Seems easy enough, right?
Now that this command has been brought to our attention, we might be surprised at how quickly the opportunity comes up to complain. Be on the look out.
Thank you, Lord, for this clear imperative command. I pray that I, and my readers, would take this command to heart. Let us not complain against one another, but find an alternative, instead that pleases you. Amen.
Comments