SOME THOUGHTS ON GRUMBLING

We all encounter them—extra-grace-required (EGR) people. You know the type, right? We see them walking into a room, or their caller ID shows up on our phone, and we think, “Oh Jesus—not today!” We only have so much emotional bandwidth, and we decide where we’re going to use it on them. If we can avoid them, we will.

Here’s the thing—believe it or not, WE are EGR people to someone. I know—it’s a shock—but we can rub people the wrong way. And when they see us coming, they try to avoid US! I’ve seen people switch lines while coming forward to receive communion because they see me as EGR!

Exodus chapter 16 takes place shortly after the Exodus when Moses led Israel out of Egypt after 400 years of bondage. They’d plundered the Egyptians on the way out the door; been led by God on the journey with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night; were rescued from the pursuing Egyptians by walking through the parted sea on dry land—but when they got to the other side, the EGR people began to grumble.

They formed a “Back to Egypt Committee” complaining about the lack of food—and accused Moses and Aaron of bringing them to the desert to kill them. Moses rightly understood their complaints weren't really against him and Aaron. He said:

“Your complaints are not against us but against the Lord.” Exodus 16:8)

This was the first time they complained, but it wouldn’t be the last.

They complained because that’s what EGR people do, but what EGR people (like me) often forget is God puts leaders into position—in the church—in a business—in a family—in a school—and even in a nation. (See Romans 13:1)

That’s the last thing I want to hear! If God has allowed people to take places of leadership and authority, and they’re disappointing us, where do we lodge our complaints? Where do we turn when things aren't as they should be? God. He’s the One who delivers. He’s the One who provides. He’s the One.

Remembering this often makes me less prone to grumble because I realize God usually has something important to teach me when I’m most prone to grumble. Let that sink in, my friends! 

What is God trying to teach you?

Bishop Jeff Greenway