This week we are beginning our new Bible study..."Lord, Change My Attitude". Take a look at the table of contents, you will see there are 5 positive and 5 negative attitudes. The one we are going to look at in more detail this week is a complaining attitude.
The author, James MacDonald, suggests a memory verse for each weeks lesson. This week it is Philippians 2:14-15. This is a wonderful verse to commit to memory to remind us on a daily basis that we should not complain.
I have found, just today, that it is really amazing at how much complaining goes on around us. Whether it is us complaining or those around us, it's everywhere. I've tried to watch everything I've said today, so as not to complain, and I know I caught myself probably a dozen times. If you have a complaining spirit, it becomes part of your life and eventually you don't notice it anymore, it just happens. Unfortunately, everyone else around you does notice. Not only are you dragging them down with your complaints, you (in the long run) are dragging yourself down.
The author said "In the short term, complaining separates us from God; in the long term it becomes a lifestyle that sends us to the wilderness". Complaining is a sin. No matter how big or small the complaint, it is SIN. Sin means "missing the mark, failing in regard to God's holy standard and just demands."
What we put in our minds determines what comes out in our words and actions. If we think on things that are pure, just, righteous, etc., these things will show in the way we talk to others and in our actions. If we surround ourselves with the negativity of this world, we will show that to others by complaining.
Complaining about things as simple as traffic or the weather seem so commonplace today, but they are wrong. This has truly been a challenge to me. I pray God will use this study in all of our lives to show us how to grow closer to Him in all aspects of our lives.
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2 comments:
I was wondering if anyone had an answer for the question on page 13? The question was read Exodus 24:2-7. Was the Israelites' song true praise?
I wasn't sure what to put. I think that maybe it was more a song of praise from Moses to God and the Israelites' just joined in- not really life changing-. After all, Moses was alot closer to God than the Israelites were.
Did anyone see anything differently than I did?
I also have to say that I'm not sure if I like this study or not? I'm having to wear steel toed shoes to study! :-) I never would have called myself a complainer but after this second lesson- I need to definitely close my mouth more and open my ears and my heart to God. I needed the reminder. Please pray for me on Friday because I have three different courts to be in and I don't like court so it's very easy to start complaining. Pray that the Lord will use this in my life and also that I won't be a complainer during this whole process! ;-)
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