Originally published Monday, 22 June 2015.
www.insideoutwithcourtnaye.org
If you opened this post or clicked onto this blog link, then you know that you need to stop grumbling. LOL! If you find yourself talking negatively about people to others or even under your breath, that’s grumbling. Again, it’s simply not a coincidence that you’re here. God knew! So let’s jump right into how to stop it…shall we?
Okay…first of all the actual term in Greek means to “whisper, murmur, mutter, in muffled undertones, and to show smoldering discontentment and constant murmuring.” It’s also a form of complaining. So…do you do this at all? Really examine yourself through this definition. I know that I have definitely been guilty of this in the past. But whether past or present, it needs to be stopped.
The reason being is because God’s word says, “Don’t grumble about each other, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged (condemned). For look-the Judge is standing at the door!” (James 5:9, NLT) Jesus is coming back soon. And He is coming back swiftly, in the blink of an eye, and like a thief in the night. That’s why God is warning us through His word today saying, “Don’t grumble.” You don’t want to be trapped in a state of unforgiveness, murmuring and complaining, hostility, or lack of endurance when Jesus comes back. Because none of these attitudes or actions will dwell in heaven AND you don’t want to be left behind.
Now…I believe that one of the major highlights in this verse is the word “about.” Here, James is referencing grumbling about each other. Meaning, something happened that is being discussed in disgust. And as the saints of God, we have to be careful not to murmur about the situation that has occurred (whether it’s with a non-believer or fellow believer). 1 Peter 2:12 says, “Be careful to live properly among non-believing neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and will give honor to God when he judges the world.” (NLT)
Also, 1 John 4:20 says, “If someone says, ‘I love God,’ but hates a Christian brother or sister, that person is a liar; for if we don’t love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we cannot see?” Now, I know some people reading this may say, “But I don’t hate my brother or sister, Courtnaye.” And I get that. But understand that hate also means dislike. So you may dislike what they have said or done, or how they act, and then you start grumbling about them (you might not even want to see them coming). That’s when you have to check yourself. Again, getting a handle on this is crucial. Because in God’s sight, if not checked, this is dangerous.
The reason it’s so dangerous is because, it’s stated in the word, “…brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door.” (James 5:9, KJV) A lot of people don’t like to hear these types of words, but it’s coming from THE actual Word. And in the above verse in James 5:7 it says, “Dear brothers and sisters, be patient as you wait for the Lord’s return.” This is talking about patient endurance. So we have to be able to bear with one another in love, pray for ourselves and each other, and endure hardships until He comes.
*I know sometimes things happen and people may do and say things that might really upset you and cause you to begin talking negatively about them to others. Trust me. I know. BUT…grumbling about each other, a leader, a boss, delegated authority, or even a friend is NOT good in view of God. It could also be that you’re just grumbling about a difficult or aggravating situation. That happens too. And granted, I know sometimes you do need to talk about what has happened with someone you trust, like your fiancé, husband, mentor, or friend. But even with those individuals, you have to know when it’s about to go too far or you’re about to cross spiritual lines.
So here are a few helpful suggestions on how to catch yourself and stop grumbling. One BIG way is to obey the Scripture. Remember, there is an urgent warning there, because we don’t know when Christ will return. And we want to be ready. With that being said, when you feel yourself going overboard, catch yourself and turn away from it…before you drown. In other words, realize what’s happening, cut the conversation, and pray. This shuts the flesh and the enemy down. I know it can be tempting to keep going, but fight the temptation and let the Word come alive in you.
It doesn’t make sense to claim being a Christian, know the word, go to church faithfully, serve or spread the gospel, and NOT apply it when the opportunity for growth and deliverance presents itself. James 1:22 says, “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” (KJV) Don’t deceive yourself! James 1:26 states, “If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless.” (NLT) Whoa!
So let’s do this! The Holy Spirit is there to help. He will be there to nudge you and say, “Hey there…that’s enough. Stop grumbling.” Our job is to then listen, shift gears, obey, and pray. 1 Peter 4:7 says, “The end of the world is coming soon. Therefore, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers. Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins.” (NLT) Love is the key! Love you sis! Until next time…
Remember, Jesus is coming back soon! And those who endure unto the end shall be saved. So let’s be ready from the Inside Out!
~Courtnaye
***Join me for my LIVE free call next month on “Let’s Talk!” I’ll be talking about “Becoming a Woman of Balance.” With all the many hats that we wear as women like being a wife, mother, keeper of the home, employee, leader, business owner, ministry laborer, you name it…we NEED balance! So lock the date in your calendar and join me Tuesday, July 7th @ 8:30pm (CST) as we talk about being balanced women in marriage, motherhood, work, ministry, and beyond! The call # is 218-936-3436, Code: 12345#.
Thanks for reading this post! I hope and pray that you’ve been enlightened. If you have any comments or questions feel free to leave it here or email me @ insideoutwithcourtnaye@gmail.com, and I’ll get back with you promptly. Also, if this post and ministry has blessed your life, please consider making a donation of any amount today to help me further the gospel and provide more helpful resources @ http://www.insideoutwithcourtnaye.org/.
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