Vin Smith Concert Pianist. Piano Tuner. Talk Show Host. Novelist.

Edward M. Bounds, in Prayer, Praise and Thanksgiving notes: "Gratitude and murmuring never abide in the same heart at the same time."

We all know people who are whiners and complainers. They leach positivity out of a room. They supplant good vibes and progress with negativity and failure. It is for this reason that God found it necessary to act decisively. " And when the people complained, it displeased the LORD: and the LORD heard it; and his anger was kindled; and the fire of the LORD burnt among them, and consumed them that were in the uttermost parts of the camp." (Numbers 11:1-10,33

It is clear that these murmurings actually threatened the greater welfare of the congregation of Israel.

As to the question does it indicate that a person is not truly saved... It is always wrong to attempt to slap on a hat of judgment. We do not know people's hearts. We have no idea of what despair is inhabiting them... What experiences have weakened them at any given time. Oh, we may witness events happening to people, and the circumstances of their lives--but we do not fully know how they are coping with these stresses. Nor are we privileged to understand and be apprised of how God is helping them to cope. 

To judge is unproductive in a thousand different ways. The key here is to be ever ready to assist these souls in their fight against circumstances--even principalities--in whatever constitutes their struggle. "If you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday. (Isaiah 58:10) 

It would not be inaccurate to say that in ministering to the needs of the afflicted, you are also aiding your own self in the daily struggle with life.

February 13 2014 • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report

joyce whaley

Although the Lord is not please when we murmur and complain (because what we are probably discontented with it is probably so minor in the real scheme of life’s test and trials) by no mean does murmuring discloses a sign that a person is unsaved. However it is a real indicator that the person is unlearned, probably immature in the Lord still regarding certain matters and perhaps spoiled and even a little ungrateful when it comes to the Lord’s goodness, mercies and grace. How would I know, I sometimes murmur and I know that I have been redeemed by the blood of the lamb.

March 19 2014 • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report