OVERCOMERS

OVERCOMING Habitual Complaining

“Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life . . .” Philippians 2:14-16a NIV

Habitual Complaining is Toxic! WW Habitual Complaining is Toxic! It poisons our souls It contaminates our thoughts with negativity It kills our joy and robs us of our peace We become oblivious to all the good things in life, all the blessings God has given us!

Habitual Complaining is Toxic! WW Habitual Complaining is Toxic! And it pollutes those around us It’s like second hand smoke – Numbers 11:4-6; 13:31 – 14:2 It breeds discontentment and contempt – 1 Cor. 15:33 And worst of all, it taints our relationship with God!

“And do not grumble, as some of them did – and were killed by the destroying angel. These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come” 1 Corinthians 10:10-11 NIV

Israel’s Example is a Warning to us WW Israel’s Example is a Warning to us Israel’s Habitual Complaining They began complaining almost immediately after God had delivered them! – Exodus 14:10-12 They never stopped complaining! – Exodus 15:23-24; 16:2-4; Numbers 11:4-6; 14:1-4

Israel’s Example is a Warning to us WW Israel’s Example is a Warning to us This was recorded in God’s Word to warn us! God is not pleased with our habitual complaining! It is offensive to God and angers Him – Numbers 11:10, 32-34; 14:11-12, 20-23 It shows a lack of appreciation and gratitude for all that God has done for us It is paramount that we OVERCOME Habitual Complaining!

OVERCOMING Habitual Complaining WW OVERCOMING Habitual Complaining Learn the secret of contentment – Philippians 4:12-13 Discontentment is the root of complaining! – 2 Corinthians 11:23-29 Peace and contentment don’t depend on controlling every circumstance we find ourselves in! We must learn to respond skillfully to those circumstances

OVERCOMING Habitual Complaining WW OVERCOMING Habitual Complaining Choose to focus on the positive What are your thoughts focused on? – Philippians 4:8; 2 Corinthians 10:5 Is the glass half full or half empty? – James 1:2-4

OVERCOMING Habitual Complaining WW OVERCOMING Habitual Complaining Choose to be joyful and thankful It really is a choice! – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; Philippians 4:4; Psalm 118:24 “Folks are usually about as happy as they make up their minds to be” Abraham Lincoln