The bottom line is this: complaining might be the number one sin we all struggle with, but God’s Word tells us how to overcome that sin.
Raise your hand if you don’t struggle with sin… I’m guessing not one hand went up. Isn’t it so frustrating?! As believers, our deep-seated desire is to please the Lord and walk in His ways, but too often we choose to serve ourselves and our own desires.
The first thing that came to mind about my own struggle with sin is “Well, if that person wasn’t so frustrating,” or “If this circumstance wasn’t happening...” I start pulling an Adam and blaming someone/something else for my own sinful choices and responses. Can anyone else relate? Unfortunately, we all were affected by Adam’s choice and started out life with that original sin and, subsequently, a bent for sin… But God… He sent His Son to pay the penalty for our sins through the shedding of His own blood on the cross. We have been cleansed not only from that original sin but from all of our sins. You might ask, “Ok then, why do I still sin?” Until we reach heaven’s glory, we still live in a sinful world and still have a bent toward sin. Romans 3:10 says, "As it is written: 'There is no one righteous, not even one.'"
Think about the Israelites in the Old Testament and the great lengths God went to, warning them not to become involved with those who were worshipping false gods or living immoral lives because He knew they would easily fall back into sin. What about the Apostle Peter who was told by Jesus that he would deny Him three times before the rooster crows, and although Peter responded that he was ready to go to prison and even to death for Jesus, he ultimately did deny Him! But Peter’s story mustn’t discourage us. For just as Jesus said to Peter, “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers” (Luke 22:31-32), He will do the same for us.
Sometimes our sin is necessary. Yes, you read that right. For some, unless they go into the depths of the pit, will they ever truly realize that sin has terrible consequences both in this life and the next? As a result, the person will hopefully repent of their sin and turn to the Lord for their salvation. Or, for the backslidden Christian, return to the Lord like the prodigal son with a renewed zeal for Jesus.
For the believer, the best plan of action, of course, is to overcome sin in our daily lives. But how do we do that? It is actually the Apostle Peter who gives us five strategies for overcoming our struggle with sin:
“The end of all things is near; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer. Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaint. As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the multifaceted grace of God. Whoever speaks is to do so as one who is speaking actual words of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 4:7-11
Let’s take a look at how to apply these five strategies to our lives:
1. Be of Sound Judgement and Sober Spirit
The Word of God is our spiritual manual, if you will. Everything for life and godliness is found in those pages. Every divine word provides the tools we need to overcome our struggle with sin. Scripture instructs us how to discern right from wrong. It is our moral compass, so anything contrary to these teachings must be judged accordingly. As 2 Corinthians 10:5 says, “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”
When we root ourselves in the Word daily, we will be of sound judgment and sober spirit. Not only will we overcome our struggle with sin, but we will be in the proper mindset for prayer.
2. Be Fervent in Your Love for One Another
Remember my attitude about blaming others for my sinful responses? Well, being fervent in love for one another would definitely nip that in the bud!
If we truly love others with the love that Jesus has for us, it would indeed “cover a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8b). I know, I know, there are some people who just get under our skin! But when we don’t love others the way God loved us, we are being hypocrites. Think about Jesus: while in severe agony on the cross, He looked at His scoffers and said, "Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing" (Luke 23:34).
When we adopt a loving spirit like this, not only will we overcome our struggle with sin, but we will be at peace with ourselves and others.
3. Be Hospitable Without Complaint
I have a confession. I really struggle with this. Hospitality is not one of my strengths, and it causes me anxiety and stress. I will invite people over and show hospitality, but there is behind-the-scenes complaining about what I need to do. Even though no one knows I’ve been complaining, except my husband, it kinda cancels out the true nature of the gesture, don’t you think?
Hospitality is a way to show the love of Jesus to others. Complaining about it prior to is not loving at all. "Do not neglect hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it" (Hebrews 13:2).
The bottom line is this: complaining might be the number one sin we all struggle with, but God’s Word tells us how to overcome that sin. Philippians 2:14 says, "Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless."
When we are hospitable without complaint, we reap the full blessings of godly fellowship.
4. Serve Others by the Strength God Supplies
Some people are natural-born servers. They have such a heart for helping others, and it is such an inspiration. The women at my church exemplify this beautiful spirit. That might be why the Lord led me to that church because serving others doesn’t come naturally to me, yet I have learned so much from these women.
A tendency to not serve others is more than likely rooted in selfishness which, of course, is sin. It may seem benign, but it isn’t… Whether we think we are not gifted in that area or we just make excuses not to because we don't want to, we are choosing to serve ourselves and not God.
What if when presented with an opportunity to serve, we went to the Lord in prayer and asked for His strength to do so? I can guarantee that prayer will be answered as the Lord continually desires to come alongside His children to supply their needs. In so doing, you will bring glory to God—the complete opposite of sinning.
When we serve others with the strength God supplies, not only will we overcome our struggle with sin, but we will emulate Jesus: “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others” (Matthew 20:28).
5. Speak as Though Speaking the Actual Words of God
"Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit" (Proverbs 18:21). Indeed, words can have lasting consequences when speaking “death” over someone. A sharp criticism, an angry word, and a hurtful comment all speak death.
There are many scriptures that instruct about the proper use of our tongues when speaking. When we speak the “actual words of God” we can bring healing, build others up, speak life into someone, encourage the soul, and bring health to the body.
Our tongues may be the biggest perpetrators of sin. When we pray before we speak, the Holy Spirit will bring God’s Word to mind and instead of spewing vitriol, it will be as if we are speaking the actual words of God.
Praying before we speak will give us victory over our struggle with sin and bless us with a much more favorable response.
By implementing these five strategies, we will find it easier to overcome our struggle with sin.
May we all heed the words from Colossians 3:17: "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Nicola Katie
