Misery Loves Misery

4-15-2009


Where there is one complainer, you will soon find another! People are incredible at grumbling over stuff that means nothing. We’ve all done it. We may have spoken about a boss we didn’t agree with, a situation we all felt could have been handled differently, or an outcome we didn’t like. The right thing to do is take responsibility for the situation that we do have control over and do our best to find the positive. Instead, we tend to sit around talking about the negative and blaming others.

In James 5: 8-9 it says, “You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. Don’t grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!” Blaming others is the easy thing to do. The hard, right thing to do is take responsibility and make things better. The negative way of dealing with rough situations is destructive and sinful. The right way in dealing with negative situations creates a positive learning experience. The Lord will not allow us to shift the blame to others and get away with it in the long run.

When we speak we are to speak in truth. Avoid half-truths, lies, and omissions of the truth, if you truly want to be known as a trustworthy person. James tells us, “let your “Yes” be yes, and your “No”, no, or you will be condemned “(James 5: 12). I’ve heard it said, silence cannot be misinterpreted, so if you don’t have something positive to say, don’t say anything at all and you are safe! When you do say something make sure you are telling the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

Application:
1. Read James 5: 7-12
2. Focus on saying nothing but positive things by thinking nothing but positive thoughts.
3. When in a negative conversation, walk away or change the subject.