How to Deal with Complainers (Part 2)
Complainers have a clouded perspective. (Numbers 11:18-20)
- Reality gets more and more twisted as you complain:
(vs.5) “…we used to eat free in Egypt…”
(vs.18) “…we were well-off in Egypt…”
(vs.20) “…why did we ever leave Egypt?”
Rather than moving ahead with God, complainers typically talk about the “glory days” of the past.
- Complainers will never be satisfied even if you give them what they want.(vs.19-20a) They complained about having no meat and God said, “…You shall eat [meat] until it…becomes loathsome to you.”
Always do an honest heart check to see if the complaint is legitimate, but you’ll never accomplish anything if you’re constantly trying to appease everyone.
Complainers have a need for control and power. (Numbers 12:1-15)
- God disciplines leaders who are complainers. (vs.9-10) “…the anger of the LORD burned…and…Miriam was leprous.”
- Pray for your leaders who have a tendency to complain. (vs.13) “Moses cried out to the LORD, saying, “O God, heal her, I pray!”
- If the complaining leader truly repents, receive them back to their leadership role.(vs.15) “Miriam was received again.”
Complainers fall short of their calling and potential. (Numbers 20:1-12)
Verse twelve shows that even the strongest leader can become frustrated and begin to act like the complainers in the group. In his frustration, Moses stepped away from his dependence upon God and said, “Shall we bring forth water for you out of this rock?”
- Complaining robs us of our trust in God. The Lord told Moses, “…you have not believed Me…”
- Complaining robs us of our respect for God. God said Moses didn’t “…treat [Him] as holy…”
- Complaining robs us of our testimony for God. Moses did this “…in the sight of the sons of Israel…”
- Complaining robs us of our ability to finish well with God. God told Moses, “…You shall not bring this assembly into the land which I have given them.”
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
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