How to Deal with Complainers (Part 1)
The first ten chapters of the Book of Numbers show the Israelites being obedient to God and enjoying His literal presence with them, but suddenly everything changes in chapter eleven. They went from obedient to obstinate…from worshipers to whiners…from courageous to complainers!
As we look at this passage, think first about your own heart. If we try to do ministry in our own strength, we’ll slowly become jaded and bitter. Without even realizing it, we will take on a complaining spirit ourselves. Beyond your own heart, maybe this passage will help you identify some complainers in your group or on your ministry team and hopefully it will bring some clarity as to how you can address it from God’s Word.
Complainers are contagious people. (Numbers 11:1-10)
- Complainers aren’t satisfied with voicing their concerns privately. They are openly defiant. (vs.1a) “…the people complain…in the hearing of the LORD…”
- They began to affect everyone in the group. (vs.4; 10) “The rabble…among them had greedy desires [and] Moses heard the people…throughout their families…”
The word “rabble” means mixed multitude. These were non-Israelites who left Egypt with them in the Exodus. As you reach new people, some of them will be complainers and we have to teach our students and leaders not to go along with it. Complainers will devastate the unity and momentum of your ministry! Deal with it lovingly and firmly or it will spread like cancer (use Matthew 18:15-17 as your guide).
- God was clear that He doesn’t like complainers. (vs.1) “When the LORD heard it…the fire of the LORD…consumed some…”
Tomorrow we’ll continue in this passage and see how a complaining spirit clouds our perspective and undermines our calling and potential.
Gene DeVaughn has been serving in Student Ministry for thirteen years. He is the author of all Bible study curriculums offered by Redline Student Events for DiscipleNow Weekends, Retreats, Camps and Small Groups.
Gene has also written two devotional books for students entitled “FUEL: What are you driven by?” and “Unstoppable,” both of which are available at LifeWay Christian Stores. Gene currently serves on staff at Shoal Creek Baptist Church in Deatsville, Alabama. He and his wife Lesley have been married 16 years and they have two daughters Reagan and Gracen. Check out Bible study curriculums, Speakers, Worship Bands and everything else you need to custom build your own student event at www.redlinestudentevents.com
What a small world! Gene is an old high school friend of my husbands (Courtney Etheridge). I knew that name sounded familiar! My in-laws live in Wetumpka, AL- just down from Deatsville, so we will have to visit his church next time we are in town. How neat! We will check out his devotionals. My husband was so happy to find out about him.
April Etheridge (Peyton Etheridge’s mother)
April, That’s fantastic! Gene is a fantastic guy and a great writer!
Sent from my iPad