“Do all things without complaining and disputing,”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭14‬

One of the easiest things to do is complain. It takes no talent or special gift to criticize others. Yet one word of complaint can have a significant impact on everyone around us. This was another lesson the people in Malachi’s day needed to learn. Their complaints were directed against God. They felt it was useless to serve the Lord—their attitude was essentially, “What’s in it for me?” (Malachi 3:13–15).

At times, we may feel the same way. We might ask, “Why go to church? We keep hearing the same messages.” It is easy to criticize our spiritual leaders, but instead we are instructed to pray for those whom the Lord has raised up to lead us (Hebrews 13:7, 17).

The people also complained that the wicked were prospering while they themselves were suffering. From time to time, we too may grow weary in serving the Lord and begin to feel discouraged. When that happens, we must fix our eyes on the object of our faith—the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the supreme example of what a servant of God should be. As we focus on Him, we not only receive strength to serve with gladness, but we are also transformed to become more like Him.

Malachi gives us three safeguards to help keep us from becoming complainers. First, the fear of the Lord should motivate us to give Him priority in our lives—to consider His feelings, His rights, and His glory. That is what it means to fear the Lord. A common expression today is, “What would Jesus do?” If that question became more than a cliché, it would genuinely help us walk in reverence before Him.

Second, we are encouraged to speak often to one another. It is vital to have Christian fellowship—to share Christ with one another and encourage one another in Him. If we spoke more frequently about Christ, we would have less time to complain and criticize.

Third, we are called to meditate on His name. The name of the Lord reveals His character, His beauty, and His greatness. The Lord Jesus is true, noble, just, pure, lovely, and of good report. In Him alone do we find true virtue and anything worthy of praise (Philippians 4:8).

Anchor For Today:
Practice these safeguards against complaining: give the Lord the preeminent place in your life, encourage other believers, and set your mind on heavenly things.