We all struggle with different temptations. There is not one person who does have at least one particular sin that he fights against nearly every day, and many times is beaten by it. Mine is complaining.
“Do all things without murmurings and disputings” (Philippians 2:14).
This is a toughy for me. Some days it seems like every word out of my mouth is a complaint because someone cut me off while driving, or the mail carrier bent a package, or the internet is too slow, or there are too many commercials on the radio, or it’s too hot, or…you name it! And complaining is highly contagious, too. Once a co-worker starts in, I have to join in the belly-aching!
It is a constant struggle, and one that I am consciously trying to overcome. I’ve done better, but I still have moments of weakness, and once I get on a roll it is really difficult to put on the brakes.
One way to avoid murmuring or complaining is to take notice of everything that is good in life, rather than focusing on the bad. This will help to develop an attitude of gratitude (Colossians 3:17, Ephesians 5:4). It is not enough to simply want to be rid of an improper frame of mind; the bad must be replaced by good. Doing so will make it much more difficult for the bad to return.
