Numbers 11:1 And when the people complained, it displeased the LORD: and the LORD heard it; and his anger was kindled; and the fire of the LORD burnt among them, and consumed them that were in the uttermost parts of the camp.
What does God think about complaining? Today’s verses make it quite clear, don’t they? This is not a sin that is only known to kids and teenagers. It is quite common in adults as well. There’s nothing I hate more than to hear some complaining about the situations in their life. It bothers me even more when it is another Christian. Complaining causes us to forget the good that God has done for us. It causes us to forget His blessings!
Are you a complainer, dear lady? Does your husband get an ear full when you aren’t happy with the way things are going in your home? Notice what the verse above says? Let’s pick it apart: the complaining “displeased” God – He “heard” it – His anger was “stirred” – then He “destroyed” them. Do you get the idea that God doesn’t like to hear complaining? It’s one thing to go to God with a problem and tell Him about it. I’m certain this isn’t what is being referenced in today’s text. In this case, the people were complaining to each other. The sin was not revolving around one person but a group of people. Trouble comes in numbers – you don’t see a street gang of one person. Do you constantly complain to your husband or friends when things aren’t going well? If you do, then you are no different that the complainers in Moses’ time. God doesn’t like it at all (and neither does your husband) and He considers it quite serious. If you want your life to go well, then stop complaining and start being grateful for what he has provided for you.
Numbers 11:4-6 And the mixt multitude that was among them fell a lusting: and the children of Israel also wept again, and said, Who shall give us flesh to eat? 5 We remember the fish, which we did eat in Egypt freely; the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlick: 6 But now our soul is dried away: there is nothing at all, beside this manna, before our eyes.
The sin of complaining doesn’t stop with the one complaint. It leads to other sins – in this case, it was lust! Notice that the people dwelt on their troubles so much so that they began wishing for their old life. The woman who dwells on her current trials and disappointments will begin to think that the grass is greener on the other side. She will think “Life before salvation wasn’t so bad.” Oh the tragedy of it all! Is it any wonder that God destroyed them? One rotten apple spoils the whole barrel of apples. One little bit of yeast will cause all of the dough to rise. (1 Cor. 5:6) What God is saying is that the leaven (yeast) is like sin. Once you start, it brings more sin into your life. The more sin in your life, the more you will become discontent with your life.
If you’re not a complainer and you’ve conquered this sin, then praise the Lord! Teach it to your children – counsel your friends and help them conquer the sin as well – be an example to those around you and use every opportunity to teach them when complaints arise.
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