BEN F. VICK, JR.
When I was a little boy, a sentence typed on a small card was placed by one of the light switches in our home. It read:
I once complained because I had no shoes,
Until I met a man who had no feet.
Besides illustrating the important principle of teaching our children while they are pliable (Deut. 6:3-9), the verse itself will serve us well in all circumstances of life. It can assist us in understanding that outward circumstances should not determine inward contentment and that someone, somewhere, at some time has had difficulties worse than we are having. It can help us recognize that, though our situation may not be the best, we are blessed far more than others. It can serve as an opportunity to count our blessings. (Eph. 1:3; Jas. 1:17.)
Because the world is filled with whiners and wailers, let’s adapt this sentence to different complaints.
“I once complained because of the weather until I realized some cannot enjoy it.” There are some in this beautiful world who complain when it rains; and when the sun begins to shine they still complain. When the sun is shining, they complain because there is no rain. Some gripe when it snows, but lament also when it doesn’t snow. Have you ever stopped to realize that some cannot enjoy the weather? Some are blind and cannot see the beauty of God’s earth as it transforms from season to season. Some are deaf and cannot delight in hearing the rain as it hits the roofs of our abodes. Some are confined on beds of affliction, in nursing homes or hospitals, and are unable to enjoy even the best of days.
“I once complained about my work until I looked around and saw the unemployed.” There are many in this world who complain about their jobs. “It’s too demanding.” “It doesn’t pay enough.” “It’s unproductive.” It’s not challenging.” Those who make these complaints and others need to go down to the unemployment lines and see the recipients who are dependent upon others. Even one who has a job which pays minimum wage ought to be thankful that he is not unemployed. There are thousands of people in foreign countries who are not the beneficiaries of a generous government nor are able to find work. They must beg for food and clothing. As President Truman used to say, “You’ve never had it so good.” The inspired apostle Paul commands us to give thanks to God. (Eph. 5:20; Col. 3:17; 4:2.) The Psalmist said, “Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.” (Psa. 100:4.)
“I once complained about the food on my table until I realized some had no food.” For the very same complaint some in Old Testament times were destroyed. (Num. 21:4-6.) Those old enough to have experienced the depression days of the 30’s know what it is like to miss a meal or not to have the kind of meal they want. My wife’s grandfather used to talk about those hard times. He never went hungry, but the food he ate was not necessarily what he wanted. He would sometimes eat berries and swamp cabbage (or palmetto roots) from the woods. G. K. Wallace writes concerning his homelife as a boy; that if any one of the children “complained about the meal, he or she was excused until the next meal.” He adds, “Our mother could not run a short order feeding place. We ate what was set before us and were thankful.” (Wallace, Autobiography and Retirement Sermons, p. 4.) Paul wrote, “And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.” (I Tim. 6:8.)
“I once complained of the worship services until I realized some are unable to enjoy the benefits as they did in earlier days.” Isn’t this a strange complaint coming from one who claims to be a child of God? Those who are privileged to worship with the saints should count it a joy. There are many who do not enjoy this benefit because they are on beds of affliction. Some whose voices are weak are incapable of making “a joyful noise unto the Lord” (Psa. 100:1) as in times past. Others, due to loss of hearing, are no longer able to hear “the old, old story.” Some have lost their sight and are incapable of reading along in their Bibles as the scriptures are being read, nor are they able to read the words of songs being sung. Hear the words of the sweet singer of Israel: “For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.” (Psa. 84:10.) “Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness and for his wonderful works to the children of men!” (Psa. 107:8.) “I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord.” (Psa. 122:1.) Oh, what a blessed privilege to gather with the saints to “worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.” Poor, depraved souls who complain of such a blessing!
In God’s word we are commanded not to murmur. “Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.” (I Cor. 10:10.) “Do all things without murmurings and disputings.” (Phil. 2:14.) We can avoid disobedience to this command by seeing that there are others in worse condition and circumstances than we. If you can’t think of anyone, read the book of Job. The words of Paul should encourage us. “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.” (Phil. 4:11-12.)
Let us put off complaining and learn contentment. “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’ So we may boldly say: ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?’” (Heb. 13:5-6.)