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"The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling." (1 Peter 4:7-9 NIV)
My dog Sophie has always been a grumbler. She was born that way. She grumbles with low rumbling sounds if she feels the other dogs are infringing on her territory, or are having a good time playing in the yard, while she is laying on the porch. Sometimes she just walks around grumbling to herself. In light of this the other dogs avoid her space and often tip toe around her quietly. Her grumbling repels the others rather than drawing them to her.
Some people seem to be born grumblers too. It just seems to be part of their nature. Others not so much. They may have moments of grumbling but for the most part their natures are of a sunnier variety. Whatever the case, grumbling is something which we need to allow the Holy Spirit to address within our lives, especially during these trying times in our world.
Grumbling is self centred. Grumbling takes our eyes off of Jesus. Our own emotions and feelings are at the forefront of our thoughts, clouding our minds and impairing our self control. This in turn, affects our ability to pray as the Spirit leads.
We do not need though, to be grumblers. Experience has taught me that the Holy Spirit is able, for the asking, to not only help me to recognize when I am in a grumbling mood, but He is also able to transform my attitude from grumbling to glorifying God.
The Holy Spirit is to be our teacher and guide, reminding us of the truths we have learned and are learning about Jesus. Jesus never grumbled. Jesus was always clear minded and self-controlled. He offered Himself and the hospitality of His loving presence, freely to everyone who needed Him, just as He offered Himself totally to God, His Father on a daily basis.
Therefore, let us strive to do likewise. Let us remember each and everyday to offer who we are, faults and all, including our tendency to grumble, back to our Heavenly Father and the guidance of His Holy Spirit. By so doing any grumbling will soon be turned into glorifying the King, heart, soul and mind so that we might draw others to Jesus, rather than have them avoiding, and tip toeing around us, causing us to lose our chance to shine for Him.
Prayer: Father God, help us to be diligent in offering ourselves up daily to You and the guidance of Your Holy Spirit that we may be known as a glorifying people rather a grumbling one. In Christ's name we pray. Amen.
Lynne Phipps
Tawatinaw, Alberta, Canada
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