The 30-Day No Complaining Challenge

^[1]Clarksville, TN – Venting, gossiping, whining, “explaining”, “stating a fact”, complaining…

What do all of these habits have in common? They can ruin our outlook, and negatively impact the outcome. But often we think of many of these behaviors as acceptable, even normal. However, we usually know, deep down, that complaining is wrong but we do it anyway. Why?Why We Complain

• We don’t know how to solve the problem.
• We don’t want to solve the problem (because complaining has become a hobby.)
• We think the problem is bigger than it is (because we think about ourselves too much.)
• We are bored (and don’t know how to deal with the silence or find something positive to do.)
• We don’t know how to praise ourselves, others, or God (or we don’t understand the benefits of it.)
• People around us do it (but which came first, the chicken or the egg?)

The difference between explaining and complaining is the intent and the frequency. Sometimes to solve a problem, we have to talk about it. But when we complain, vent, or gossip to avoid actually dealing with the problem, then we are only hurting ourselves.

Recently, I challenged my children to stop complaining. I realized that I have set a terrible example for a negative attitude. I have made many efforts to improve, and it has improved the joy in my home. The people around me have improved as well. We are so powerful with our words!!

Does God care if we complain? Here are some verses that have encouraged me.

“One day the Israelites started complaining about their troubles. The Lord heard them and became so angry that he ^[2]destroyed the outer edges of their camp with fire.” – Numbers 11:1

“Do all things without grumbling or questioning.” – Philippians 2:14

“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” – Ephesians 4:29

“Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door.” –James 5:9

What could we do instead?

• Be quiet. Be quiet. Be quiet. And if that doesn’t work, be quiet some more. Smile, even if it hurts your face.
• Find something better to do with your energy like checking in on a friend who is struggling or serving others in your community.
• Give thanks! Praise God! Count your blessings!
• Pray about it. Write it down. Pray some more.
• Confront the problem (if it’s worth discussing, it’s worth confronting.)

I don’t know about you, but I am tired of stealing my own joy, and the joy of those around me with my grumbling. I am asking you to join me in 30 days of no complaining, grumbling or gossiping. This might make me really quiet for a while, until I get better at the praise part, but I am pretty sure there are many folks who will enjoy a break from negativity.

Who’s in? Could this be a great start to a new year?

 † How can I pray for you? Please email me at Kris@RubiesofTruth.com ^[3] with prayer requests.