Numbers 11:1
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.

If the Israelites’ complaining displeased the Lord back then, certainly our complaining displeases Him today. We all probably know at least one chronic complainer, or maybe we’re that person ourselves. No matter what the situation, they have something negative to say. They see the worst about everything or find something wrong to pick at. They are quick to point out what is bad and are vocal about every annoyance or inconvenience. There is never a silver lining in their dismal world, never a blessing among the trouble.

Why is this kind of behavior so displeasing to God? First of all, it shows a lack of thankfulness and appreciation for the blessings of God. As long as we’re complaining, we cannot be praising the Lord for His abundant goodness to us. God had provided everything the Israelites needed, and still they nitpicked and whined and complained. Instead of focusing on what they had, they mourned what they didn’t have. How often do we have these same attitudes and complaints? God provides everything we need—in fact, what is best for us to have and what is necessary for us—and still we complain about what we used to have or what we want instead. Let’s be careful of an unthankful attitude that manifests in complaining.

Secondly, complaining has a negative effect on those around us. It’s hard to listen to someone complain all the time, and we probably try to avoid these people. It hinders our testimony to the unsaved world to always be grumbling and unsatisfied with what we have. It hurts our relationships with fellow believers to always be pointing out problems and searching out negatives instead of seeking to help where we see problems or offer something positive to a situation. Complaining accomplishes nothing in God’s work.

Complaining is sometimes a result of a prideful heart, sinful desires, or selfish attitudes. When we’re unsatisfied with what we have or where we are, we complain. When we think we know better than God, we complain. When we’re living in sin, troubles often come that cause us to complain. Let’s beware of these kinds of things creeping into our lives and turning us into complainers.

Let’s strive to be diligent to guard ourselves against complaining. It is unpleasant to those around us and displeasing to God. If we are conscious of times we feel like complaining, let’s purposefully look for a blessing in whatever the situation is, something we can be thankful for even amidst difficult times. Let’s work to turn our minds around from complaining to praise and thanksgiving to our Lord.