5 HELPFUL FACTS ABOUT INGRATITUDE AND GRIPING
1. THE SURE WAY TO MAKE GOD ANGRY? COMPLAIN.
The people griped about life in the wilderness, how hard they felt things were for them, and these evil complaints came up to the ears of the Eternal One. He was furious about this ingratitude… His anger was kindled, and His fire raged among them and devoured some of the camp’s perimeter.
Numbers 11:1 (VOICE)
The people complained against Moses and Aaron, … I will send an epidemic and destroy them, but I will make you the father of a nation that is larger and more powerful than they are!"
Numbers 14:2, 12 (GNB)
If these men die a natural death and suffer the fate of all mankind, then the LORD has not sent me. But if the LORD brings about something totally new, and the earth opens its mouth and swallows them, with everything that belongs to them, and they go down alive into the realm of the dead, then you will know that these men have treated the LORD with contempt.”
Numbers 16:29-31 (NIV)
SOLUTION: Make it my goal to please God.
2. MY COMPLAINING REVEALS MY INGRATITUDE FOR GOD’S CARE.
Who will give us meat to eat? 11:10a
The people complained…and said, "It would have been better to die in Egypt or here in the wilderness. The LORD said to Moses, "How much longer will these people reject me? How much longer will they refuse to trust in me, even though I have performed so many miracles among them?
Numbers 14:2,11 (GNB)
SOLUTION: Make it my routine to count my blessings.
3. MY COMPLAINING IS CONTAGIOUS.
A contingent of Israelites had a strong craving for different food, and the Israelites started complaining again.
Numbers 11:4a (VOICE)
Moses heard all the people complaining as they stood around in groups at the entrances of their tents. The LORD became very angry…
Numbers 11:10 (GNB)
Keep a sharp eye out for weeds of bitter discontent. A thistle or two gone to seed can ruin a whole garden in no time.
Hebrews 12:15 (MP)
SOLUTION: Avoid and associate.
4. MY COMPLAINING IS CONSUMING.
Remember in Egypt when we could eat whatever amount of fish we wanted, or even the abundant cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, and garlic. But this, this can hardly be called food at all! Our appetites have dried up. All we ever have to look at is manna, manna, manna.
Numbers 11:5-6
THE PEOPLE COMPLAINED ABOUT…
What they didn’t have. - “Who will give us meat to eat?” 11:4b
What they used to have.
Remember in Egypt when we could eat whatever amount of fish we wanted, or even the abundant cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, and garlic. 11:5a
What they have.
But this, this can hardly be called food at all!... All we ever have to look at is manna, manna, manna. 11:5a-6b
And what they had lost. - Our appetites have dried up. 11:5a
The thing about the manna is this: It is like coriander seed but the golden color of gum resin, falling on the camp with the morning dew. The people could just walk around and pick it up. After grinding it with millstones to a kind of flour or crushing it with a mortar, they boiled it in a pot and then formed it into patties. These tasted something like cake prepared with oil, a kind of sweet bread.
Numbers 11:7-9 (VOICE)
I see that you are full of bitter envy and are a prisoner of sin.
Acts 8:23 (GNB)
SOLUTION: Confess, repent, and get help.
5. MY COMPLAINING CAN CAUSE MY LEADERS TO CAPITULATE.
So Moses asked ADONAI, “Why have You brought trouble on Your servant? Haven’t I found favor in Your eyes—that You laid the burden of all these people on me? Did I conceive all these people, or did I give birth to them, that You should say to me, ‘Carry them in your bosom just as the nurse carries an infant’—to the land You promised to their fathers? Where can I get meat for all these people? For they wail to me saying, ‘Give us meat to eat!’ I am not able to carry all these people by myself! The load is too heavy for me! If this is how You are treating me, kill me now! If I have found favor in Your eyes, kill me please—don’t let me see my own misery!”
Numbers 11:10-15 (VOICE)
SOLUTION: Love and listen to your leaders.
Listen to your leaders and submit to their authority over the community, for they are on constant watch to protect your souls and someday they must give account. Give them reason to be joyful and not to regret their duty, for that will be of no good to you.
Hebrews 13:17 (VOICE)