Apples of Gold

There seems to be something in our makeup that compels us to vent our grievances from time to time. Finding a wise and mature friend who is trustworthy and willing to speak the truth to us is the most productive option. Sometimes our issues lie more with ourselves than we are willing to even consider let alone acknowledge. Taking our complaints and struggles to God first, and wise counsel when necessary, can save us from a whole lot of heartache. 

Quite a few years back I remember my husband challenging me with something. I can’t even remember what it was about, but I do remember that my initial reaction was to take offense at his observation. I couldn’t see the accuracy of his assessment until the Lord targeted it during my devotional time. I was part of the problem I was complaining about. My husband received a much deserved apology and my attitude got the necessary adjustment as well. 

Here is a challenge from Paul that we all can certainly find an area to improve upon:

Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. Philippians 2:12-15

At times we can find ourselves in a cycle of whining and complaining. We look around us and count all the things others are doing “to us”.  We format a long list of all the folly they are committing and stockpile personal offenses until we have created a large mound of hurt that begins to reek like rotting manure. 

Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged. And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own? How can you think of saying to your friend, ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye? Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye: then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye. Matthew 7:1-5

Jesus uses some interesting wording here. I mean, how could anyone possibly be running around with an entire log in their eye and be seemingly oblivious? A literal log or beam protruding from an eye creates a hazardous environment for anyone in their path. Simply turning your head could unintentionally cause serious damage to anyone within range. The weight and length of a log would also make it impossible to have control over your movements-like a bull in a china store damage is going to occur whether or not that is the intent.  

This word picture might bring a smile, but the reality of the point Jesus was making should send us to our knees. While exhorting others to become more like God is important, he has not called us to perfect those around us, but he has commanded us to constantly examine our own hearts, actions and motives. It makes me wonder how often I have bowled over those around me without even having a clue of the damage I have done. That hurts my heart. I certainly don’t want to be oblivious to my own shortcomings while pulling out a magnifying glass to expose things that others are struggling with. 

So I would like to live with a “The Complaint Department is Closed!” approach. But that seems rather impossible. On my own it is, but let’s reconsider Philippians 2:13:

For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. 

Once again my need to rely on God is clearly exposed. I do not have the strength and discipline to live like this, but I also don’t have an excuse not to. The desire and power to live a godly life are clearly available to me. The only question is: Am I willing to lay down my own will and allow God to chip away at the log protruding from my eye? 

Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean; wash me and I will be whiter than snow. Oh, give me back my joy again; you have broken me-now let me rejoice. Don’t keep looking at my sins. Remove the stain of my guilt. Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me. Do not banish me from your presence, and don’t take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and make me willing to obey you. Psalm 51:7-12