How Do I Stop Complaining?
Do you find it easy to grumble about your situation to others? If so, James has some words of challenge and encouragement.
It’s interesting that James follows up his call to be patient in verses 7-8 with this challenge not to grumble. The two are interconnected.
Keep in mind that James is writing to the poor who have suffered the abuse of those who are rich and powerful. They have lost homes, careers, and friends because of those who oppress them. In today’s culture, most people would certainly give them a license to grumble and complain. Their basic human rights have been violated.
I have little doubt that if most people today were to look on at the injustices these Christians received, we would be focusing on giving them a voice to complain. We would establish organizations to provide them with protection, enact anti-discrimination laws, and write letters to political leaders urging them to seek justice.
While James has certainly called these oppressors out, he also has a word for those who are oppressed. As one who had suffered oppression himself and would eventually give his life for the gospel, James has some authority in this matter. His advice? Do not complain.
He is not saying to ignore the injustice, but he is saying that in the midst of this pain, these persecuted believers should not allow the abuse of others to succeed in destroying their character and attitude towards others.
A Man Who Lost It All
James fittingly goes to the illustration of Job, a man who had all that he had taken away from him by Satan as a test of his loyalty to God. While Job did bring his complaints to God and even received some harsh words from him, he held on to his faith. In the end, God brought hope in the midst of despair.
Consider these words Job says to God in Job 42:2-6:
2 I know that you can do anything
and no plan of yours can be thwarted.
3 You asked, “Who is this who conceals my counsel with ignorance?”
Surely I spoke about things I did not understand,
things too wondrous for me to know.
4 You said, “Listen now, and I will speak.
When I question you, you will inform me.”
5 I had heard reports about you,
but now my eyes have seen you.
6 Therefore, I reject my words and am sorry for them;
I am dust and ashes.
Think about that phrase, “I know that you can do anything.”
From these words, I challenge you to talk to God about your situation. Imagine what it would look like to be resolved and tell him that you know he is capable of doing so. Now, think on this sentence, “No purpose of yours can be thwarted.”
Worship God right now that his purposes are being accomplished in your life and that nothing Satan does can thwart the good work he has begun.
It was only after God showed his face that Job was able to see his hand in the midst of his pain. When he did, Job's whole perspective shifted. He goes from questioning God to saying in verses 5-6, "I had heard reports about you,
but now my eyes have seen you. Therefore, I reject my words and am sorry for them; I am dust and ashes."
Have you found yourself grumbling against the situation God has you in? Your faith in him is not destroyed, but you are always complaining. If so, take a few moments to repent before God. Ask him to forgive you for ever doubting his purposes in your life.
Develop a Relaxed Obedience
When James says, “above all” in verse 12, he is likely saying something like “finally.” On the surface, this verse seems to stand alone, disconnected from the verses that precede and follow. But it may fit much better than we might initially think.
