If we want to go higher in life, we must stop bringing ourselves lower by wearing those heavy chains we are creating by complaining; tha practice of which rarely helps and usually adds to our real burdens.
Like the links of a chain, each of our depressing thoughts leads to another and another; with each additional link to our "complaint chain" only makes everything seem heavier.
If we do not stop this downward spiral, we may be tempted to seek relief in things that could lead us to more regrets and more reasons to complain.
Like a growing python, the chains of our complaints can grow in strength and weight; while only one link at a time, its accumulation can cause constricting and hopeless despair.
Enough said about this chaining, lest we too start complaining.
How about some solutions?
Here is my attempt at a Top Ten List for refraining from complaining.
- Since the weakness of a chain is in its weakest link, perhaps it's time for us to examine each complaint and start destroying the weaker ones. (Show no mercy).
- Instead of looking for confirmation to reasons for being negative - thus minimizing what could cheer us up - let's try do the opposite. (Look for the bright side).
- Let's turn our negativity against our negativity and critique our own criticisms.
- Let's use these brilliant minds God gave us and make our creativity work for us instead of against us. (Stop being our own worst enemy).
- Let's realize that if God did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all, how much He must love us.
- Let's remember that if God loved us as sinners, how much more He must love us now as His Children.
- Let's totally put our trust in the One Who gave Himself up for us and died for all our sins and all also those sins committed against us; past, present and future.
- Let's renew our minds to all the facts surrounding our redemption and we will find it hard to complain.
- Let's pray that He reveals to us the amazing mystery of the Gospel.
10. Let’s read the Scriptures; look into its mirror and repent if need be.
PROVERBS 15:13-15
13) A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance,
But by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.
14) The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge,
But the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness.
15) All the days of the afflicted are evil,
But he who is of a merry heart has a continual feast.
PROVERBS 17:20-22
20) He who has a deceitful heart finds no good,
And he who has a perverse tongue falls into evil.
21) He who begets a scoffer does so to his sorrow,
And the father of a fool has no joy.
22) A merry heart does good, like medicine,
But a broken spirit dries the bones.
Now where is that weakest link?
