Jonathan Munson, Executive Director
“Do everything without complaining…” Philippians 2:14
I’m a complainer.
And I’m pretty good at it, too. I think I could be a professional if such a thing existed. Maybe even win some awards. I’m not proud of this, mind you, just being real.
It’s not like I’m the only complainer out there.
Our culture practically thrives on complaining. Studies show the average person complains between 15 and 30 times a day, griping about everything from the weather to politics, from slow service at a restaurant to an Amazon package arriving a day late. And unfortunately, Christians join the choir of a complaining culture all too easily.
But as followers of Christ—people who have the presence of the Holy Spirit and eternal hope within them—shouldn’t we complain less than non-believers? Shouldn’t there be a noticeable difference in how we respond to frustrations and disappointments?
Puritan minister Thomas Watson once wrote: “A complaining Christian is a contradiction in terms.”
His words are deeply convicting.
Christians are called to imitate the life and character of Jesus. Can you imagine Jesus walking from town to town, muttering complaints to the disciples, moaning and groaning about the difficulties of ministry? Of course not. Complaining and Christlikeness are fundamentally incompatible. And so, I mustn’t tolerate the behavior in my own life. Every time I complain, I become less like Jesus, not more.
The kind of complaining that Paul describes here is more than just griping about minor inconveniences or other people; it’s a complaint directed at God. At its core, complaining is a spiritual issue. It’s an indication that our hearts are drifting towards entitlement, dissatisfaction, or unbelief.
The word Paul uses for “complain” recalls the Israelites’ behavior during their desert journey to the Promised Land. Do you remember how they acted? Despite God’s constant provision and faithfulness, they “grumbled” about everything! Similarly, we often get upset with God about the circumstances He’s allowed on our own journey. We grow impatient with His timing or frustrated that He’s not answering our prayers the way we’d like. So, what do we do? We grumble. And grumbling exposes a deeper problem: a struggle to trust the wisdom and goodness of God.
That’s why Paul commands us not to grumble. This isn’t just a suggestion or good advice. Not complaining is vital to our spiritual growth. It’s a way to exemplify the humility of Jesus (Philippians 2:5-11) and “work out our salvation” in our everyday lives (Philippians 2:13). It’s evidence that Jesus not only changes our hearts but also transforms our behavior. Plus, not complaining is a powerful witness to a watching world. As one pastor puts it: “No one will ask a Christian about the hope within them if all that is coming out of them is grumbling and complaining.”
And one more thing—Notice that Paul challenges us to stop complaining not just in some things, but in everything, including difficult situations, where our complaints feel completely justified. If that sounds impossible, you’re right. None of us can live this way in our own strength. We must rely on God’s power at all times, trusting that He works within us to “will and act according to His good purpose” (Philippians 2:13).
Okay, it’s time for some honest evaluation. Reflect on the past few days.
What have you done more of, complained or rejoiced? Grumbled or given thanks?
Complimented others or complained about them?
Seek God’s forgiveness where needed and ask Him to make you more like Jesus. Or, in the words of Paul Tripp, ask the Lord “to grant you the moment-by-moment grace to help your default language no longer be complaint, but heartfelt praise.”
DIG DEEPER
Read “From Complaining to Appreciation” by Erwin Cabalang
