Colossians 3:23-24
By BunGirl
@BunGirl (2638)
United States
April 25, 2007 9:10am CST
"whatsoever ye do, work heartily, as unto the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that from the Lord ye shall receive the recompense of the inheritance: ye serve the Lord Christ." (ASV)
Have you ever spent time with a real complainer? Someone who never has anything good to say and can find the bad in any situation? It can be a difficult experience. A pessimist can bring down even the sunniest disposition if we're not careful. Negativity has a way of infecting those around them.
At one time or another we've all complained about our job. Maybe our work is stressful, our boss doesn't appreciate us, or we don't get along well with our coworkers. Paul gives us an important reminder. We aren't working for our boss, our company, or our coworkers.
"We are ambassadors therefore on behalf of Christ," (2 Corinthians 5:20 ASV) Our main job as Christians is usually not the one that pays the bills. That is important too, but it's secondary to the work we are called to do as disciples of Christ Jesus. In reality, we Christians are ambassadors for God's kingdom, and in everything we do, we are working for Him.
5 people like this
6 responses
@terilee79720 (3621)
• United States
25 Apr 07
As well BunGirl, we are to learn to be content in any situation He leads us to. No matter what the conditions, 'through Christ, I can do all things' and learn to find a blessing in any situation.
It's there if we look hard enough. Those who complain about everything must truly be miserable people. Let's pray for them.
3 people like this
@peavey (16936)
• United States
25 Apr 07
Ouch, God's still talking to me! I just went (am still going) through a learning situation that this speaks to. I get too wound up in work and forget that the success of it is in God's hands AND that work is not the most important thing in my life, God is.
One thing I have found is that I am so much more relaxed and at ease with everything when I let God be God, and that life works better that way. If I could just remember that... :)
@gewcew23 (8007)
• United States
25 Apr 07
Thank you for this. I love reading your devotions I guess you would call them and they sometimes really bighten my day and sometimes I think it just helps that it goes with what I am going through. It is amazing how the Lord puts things in your life when you need it.
2 people like this
@ag_abscruzmd (2282)
• United States
29 Apr 07
That's right, indeed. There is a need to lessen our complaining but instead count our blessings. It's very common for people to complain about their jobs. Come to think of it, many people are jobless, so it's better to appreciate the fact that at least there's a source of income. Many people complain about other people, but it's best to remember that life is a learning experience and every person we encounter and interact with in our lives teaches us a lesson or two about living. We should actually not waste our time complaining or whining, but instead work for the better good and serve God the best possible way we could. Happy myLotting!
@byfaithonly (10698)
• United States
25 Apr 07
Yes, I do know someone who is very pessimistic and I've also found that too much time with that person drains me emotionally and actually makes me feel physically exhaused. I do my best to try to encourage this person whom I love with all my heart to see 'the brighter side of things' and sometimes it works but usually only for a short time.
I think one of the hardest things about being a Christian is the fact that we are ambassadors - non-believers see us, not God and judge God on our actions. We need to watch very closely what picture we are showing to others.
1 person likes this
@charms88 (7538)
• Philippines
26 Apr 07
I stopped complaining for a long time now. I just accept whatever I have and whatever will happen. I do know of a relative who is forever complaining on a lot of things. Little things, big things, she sees everything that are not conformed to her way of thinking. I can only pity her. Too pessimistic, too out of touch with the world and always paranoid.
1 person likes this
