Have A Good Time

Charles Darwin was known to be a chronic complainer. He seemed to enjoy life more when he could find things to gripe about.

One evening he and his wife attended a banquet. He found the food distasteful and the speech dull, the guests boring and the chairs uncomfortable. He found nothing to enjoy and no one could meet his expectations.

As he and Mrs. Darwin were leaving the gathering, the hostess said apologetically, “I noticed that your husband was upset. We really wanted him to have a good time.”

“Oh my,” said Mrs. Darwin, “he had a wonderful time. He was able to find fault with everything.”

In his letter to the Philippians Paul wrote, “In everything you do, stay away from complaining and arguing.” Good advice!

Complaining and arguing are the behaviors of individuals who are self-centered and self-consumed. It is the exact opposite of how Christians are to live.

It is the responsibility of Christians to advance the Kingdom of God, not their personal goals and desires. Those who know and love Christ are always filled with a sense of their own inadequacy and willingly recognize their need for His mercy and grace.

The fact that we are in Christ should keep us humble and thankful as we recognize all that He has done for us. The more we recognize His greatness and our unworthiness, the less we will find to complain about in others and in things around us. We must be careful, at all times, to guard against being self-centered and self-consumed. It will not only destroy others but us as well.

Prayer: We pray, Lord, for eyes that can see the needs of others, minds that recognize ways we might help others and hearts that are filled with compassion to reach out to help them. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Philippians 2:14 Do everything without grumbling or arguing,