Insight is a monthly contribution on remarkable topics dedicated for thoughts, reflection and prayers. Please feel free to contribute to this page what you would like to share with others.

The Bible tells us that in our lives we must act like Jesus Christ, who although was like God in everything did not think that to be equal with God was something to be used for his own benefit. He gave up his place with God and made himself nothing. He was born to be a man and further became like a servant. When he was living as a man he humbled himself and was fully obedient to God even when that caused him his death on the cross. So God raised him to the highest place and made his name greater than any other name so that every knee in heaven, on earth and under the earth will bow to his name and confess that He is the Lord and bring glory to God the Father (Philippians 2:5-11)

The Bible also says that foolish people are always fighting but avoiding quarrels will bring us honour, that pleasant words are like honeycomb, making us happy and healthy and that people without good sense find fault with their neighbours, but those with understanding keep quiet. (Proverbs 20:3; 16:24; 11:12)

Whether we admit it or not, unbelief and disobedience are the underlying reasons for a complaining spirit. God's word is clear: "Do everything without complaining or arguing." This is a command not an option. God does not qualify the statement and excuse us if things suddenly go wrong and it is not our fault. He says everything and I take that to be all-inclusive. He is talking about every single circumstance whether desirable or not. When we complain, we are in essence saying, "we really do not believe God has arranged these circumstances or that He would change them if He desired." If we did believe it, we would not need to complain. We would know our only safety is in the centre of His will no matter what happens.

The same God who told us not to complain also said, "In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Jesus Christ concerning you." How is it possible to give thanks and complain at the same time?

Is it hypocritical to say we are thankful for our problems when we do not feel thankful? Not really, because God assures us that ". . ..all things work together for good...." Even when things look disastrous, we can be certain these self same predicaments will be miraculously transformed under the skilled knife of the divine surgeon. He might do a little hurtful cutting on us through the process but it will only be for our good.

Have you realized that complaining and arguing are sins against God? Revisit the scriptures and examine your own life in its context.


Joseph Odongkara.