Proper Way to Complain
PROPER WAY TO COMPLAIN A few weeks ago my purpose was to get our teen Sunday school class to "stop grumbling like the Israelites". Before our class began, thinking I could get them into a different frame of mind, I asked them to share with the class "just one good thing that happened to them that week." Just one.
The first person said, "Nothin."
Hmmm ....
I said to her, "I forgot, your parents lost their jobs, you were evicted from your home and you had nothing to eat this week."
She sat up in the chair, "what are you talking about? My parents are working, we had lots to eat, even pizza one night, and we're still living in our home."
"Well, I guess you do have something to be thankful for then, right?"
I decided to do an experiment on my own. I went to Facebook, and checked what some of their friends were saying. I also reminded them I would be checking from time to time what they say on Facebook. A few of them slid further in their seats.
I couldn't believe some of the comments I read. One said, "it just keeps getting more complicated, or nothing good ever happens in my life, I have nothing to look forward to."
I reminded our class the Israelites grumbled for forty years, when it should have only taken eleven days in the wilderness.
Deuteronomy 8:2 And you shall remember that the Lord your God led you all the way these forty years in the wilderness, to humble you and test you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not.
I found a picture to share with them about complaining about their jobs. First, they should be thankful in this economy that they even have a job, and secondly I don't think any of them has a job like this one.
The first person said, "Nothin."
Hmmm ....
I said to her, "I forgot, your parents lost their jobs, you were evicted from your home and you had nothing to eat this week."
She sat up in the chair, "what are you talking about? My parents are working, we had lots to eat, even pizza one night, and we're still living in our home."
"Well, I guess you do have something to be thankful for then, right?"
I decided to do an experiment on my own. I went to Facebook, and checked what some of their friends were saying. I also reminded them I would be checking from time to time what they say on Facebook. A few of them slid further in their seats.
I couldn't believe some of the comments I read. One said, "it just keeps getting more complicated, or nothing good ever happens in my life, I have nothing to look forward to."
I reminded our class the Israelites grumbled for forty years, when it should have only taken eleven days in the wilderness.
Deuteronomy 8:2 And you shall remember that the Lord your God led you all the way these forty years in the wilderness, to humble you and test you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not.
I found a picture to share with them about complaining about their jobs. First, they should be thankful in this economy that they even have a job, and secondly I don't think any of them has a job like this one.
Published by Kathryn Neff Perry
Kathryn writes inspirational Christian poetry. She is also a Christian motivational speaker who strives to inspire and encourage with a little humor along the way. She is the author of the Boone's Creek myst... View profile
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13 Comments
Post a CommentGreat approach Kathryn.
I agree with Michele. Great read.
Thanks for the positive vibes. :)
We too often forget how much we are like those Israelites. I loved your lesson with your class.
"Don't complain and don't explain." One of my favorite quotes.
Love the analogy! But this article lacked the punch line from your other blog - the picture of the elephant pooping - and the person holding the bag to catch it. Now that is a job to complain about!
Thanks for the reminder
Wonderful work with the teens!
Good words.
It's easy to grumble. We're only human, that is why we needed a Savior :) cheers!