Without Complaining...

Thank you to everyone who shared their insight in my last post's form!  I have been reading over them, and I appreciate the time you took to share your perspective.  If you weren't able to fill out the form, you can do so here.



I've been in the company of unbelievers a lot this semester, due to being out in the community more often. (aka: school, soccer practice, plays, etc.)  So far, I've noticed a familiar trend:
Complaining.
It's unusual to not hear something like, "such terrible weather" or "I have the worst brothers".  People complain about everything:  where they have to eat tonight, how terrible so-and-so is, and how wrong their day is turning out.  They say they're too busy, too hungry, too clumsy, or not good enough.
What's even worse is that Christians often join in.  They nod along or add their own complaints.  More often than not, they start the muttering.
That's true in my own life too.  It's easier to complain than to rejoice.  How can I find something to smile about in my math?  Or when a sibling is too loud?
But let's put this into perspective.
The Creator of the universe gave up what was most precious to Him to save us (John 3:16).  He loves us and has adopted us into His royal family (Galatians 3:26).  We don't have to fear death or evil because He has won the battle (1 Corinthians 15:54-55)!
And we complain about the weather?
When we whine about our circumstances, we're saying that God's not doing a good job.  We think we could do better.  How self-centered can we be?!
If we want to have a relationship with God, let's praise Him for everything.  Let's see beauty in the brokenness.  Yes, it's hot outside - but the sun is shining!  Yes, school is hard - but we have the chance to learn!
Life isn't all sunshine and roses, but there's beauty even in the storms.  (Just read the book of Psalms!)
As Philippians says, 

Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world. - Philippians 2:14-15

And later...

Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! - Philippians 4:4

I want to pause here before I talk too long.  Instead of diving into a long, detailed post, let's have some discussion and hear your thoughts.
How can you love God by erasing complaining from your life?  What are some practical ways in which we can rejoice instead of whine?  Is being joyful at all times an impossible goal?  Is this something you struggle with?
Complaining ruins relationships - both with God and others.  So let's not only keep our mouths shut against complaining but also replace it with something else.  Let's be people of encouragement and thankfulness.
It's your turn.