Is This Destructive Sin in Your Church?

Are we even ignoring this sin in our own lives?

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Nothing slows down the work of the church faster than this sin. Nothing distracts the church from the things that really matter like this sin. Nothing discourages faithful Christians more than this sin.

What is this sin?

Complaining.

The Destructive Nature of Complaining.

Paul reminded the Christians in Corinth not to complain as some of the children of Israel did, and they “were destroyed by the destroyer” (1 Corinthians 10:10).

Paul also urged the Christians in Philippi to “do all things without complaining and arguing” (Philippians 2:14). This was essential for them to shine as lights in the world for Christ (Philippians 2:15-16).

These few passages are powerful reminders about the destructive nature of complaining.

So why is this sin so often tolerated, or even accepted, in the church today?

Complainers desire comfort above all else.

Sometimes when hard times come or hard work must be done, the people who want to stay comfortable push back and complain. The children of Israel did this on multiple occasions. They longed for the times when they had “better food” to eat than what God provided while they were in the wilderness (Exodus 16:1-3; Numbers 11:1-10).

Complainers don’t really trust God.

Challenging someone’s faith in God because they complain might seem a bit harsh - but then you read Exodus 17:1-7 and realize the children of Israel’s complaining was a “test” of the Lord and His ability to provide for them. Perhaps complainers need to be exposed for what they’re really doing - testing God and doubting His care.

Complainers want a “say so.”

Moses’ brother and sister spoke against Moses’ marriage to an Ethiopian woman and challenged his authority to lead the nation. But their motivation was that they really wanted a “say so” in the leading of the nation. God appeared and quickly rebuked their behavior and put them in their place (Numbers 12). Sometimes people complain because they want a “say so” in what happens in the church.

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The heart aches for leaders who suffer at the hands of those who complain - like Moses, many godly shepherds and leaders of God’s people grow disheartened and discouraged when the people bombard them with complaints.

A word of warning to complainers: multiple generations of the children of Israel entered the wilderness from Egypt. They never entered the Promised Land - in large part - because they complained.

Either we stop complaining and start serving, or God will remove us so that those who want to serve Him will have a clear path forward to do so. Complaining is not some “innocent little sin.” It’s a big deal, it’s destructive, and it should be treated as such among God’s people.

Rather than complaining, let’s give thanks to God, trust Him, and get to work for Him.