Sunday Rewind

Have you ever considered the possibility that God may get sick and tired of hearing our negative words? Today, we began a 3-week series called Zip It, by looking at the subject, "Containing Complaining".

It is so easy to slip into a mode of finding the negative things in life and complaining about them, rather than searching for the good things. The best of us can find fault with everything and everyone…about big things or small things or nothing at all. Over these three weeks, we’re going to be examining our words. But please don’t miss this. The words are only a symptom of the real issue that takes place in our heart.

The real issue is the condition of our heart. Our words reveal the condition of our heart. Just check out Matthew 12:34-37.

From a negative heart overflows negative words which generally become negative actions resulting in a miserable life. Think about it...have you ever met a joyful complainer? So, what can you do to contain your complaining? Try keeping these positive promises:

I will not hang out with negative people. Negative people are poisonous and their toxin spreads so quickly. Please don't misunderstand, I'm not suggesting going through life refusing to hear bad news. I realize that rose-colored glasses skew vision. But so does negativity.

I will speak words of life. The words people speak into our lives stay with us, especially the ones we hear when we're young. We need to speak words of life… in our homes… at work... on the road… to athletic officials… about presidential candidates.

I will be thankful for what I have. Here’s the reality of my life: the God who created me, loves and accepts me; my wife loves me and bends over backwards to help me; my children still think it’s cool to do things with Dad; I spend my work week helping people become disciples; I pastor a congregation of great people; I’m well fed, sheltered, and have more than one set of clothes. How dare I complain?

Your words reflect the attitude of your heart. So if your words are characterized by complaining, why not let God do a work right there? Look at your words. If they are not of God, if they are not God honoring, let Him by the power of the Sprit change your heart…change your words…change your actions…and your life will never, ever be the same.