The Characteristics of a Grumbling
- Grumbling is very tempting during trials.
- Grumbling is infectious.
- Grumbling cultivates instability of the soul (double-mindedness and consumerism).
- Grumbling hides reality.
- Grumbling makes us ungracious and cynical of God and others.
- Grumbling keeps us from seeing God as our Sovereign Provider and Helper.
The Causes of Grumbling
- Difficult circumstances and trials
- Dependence on the temporary than the eternal
- Leaving comfort zones
- A sense of a loss of control over one's life
- Envy and greed
I thought this quote by Martyn Lloyd-Jones describes well the dangers of grumbling:
There is nothing that leads to such havoc in the Christian life, there is nothing that so ruins life, as this spirit of murmuring and disputing. It ruined the whole story of the ancient people, it has ruined the Christian life and experience of many a Christian in this world. It makes you ill at ease; you feel your lot is the only difficult one in the world. It leads not only to that, but to a poor testimony; it brings disgrace and disrepute upon the Christian name. That is why the Apostle urges the Philippians to avoid it at all costs.