When God Has To Repeat Himself

I’ve heard it said that sometimes God tells you something, then He tells you again, and then one more time for good measure. I suppose that’s so it sinks in. When I do that, I’m just nagging. But since He’s God…

We’re going through the book of Philippians in church and are currently in the second chapter. Today’s sermon was on verses 12 to 18. As usual, it was a great sermon and there was a lot of gold in the lesson, but I’m going to tell you about one particular jewel.

Verse 14.

Do everything without grumbling or arguing,

Did you read this post from just a few days ago? The one where I decided I was going to stop whining? And then I amended it to I would only whine about the weather and the lack of coffee? Well, after today’s sermon, I’ve been convicted of whining altogether.

Like any and all whining. Which is going to be super hard because whining is part of my charm.

We were even challenged to make a complaint jar for the next week. Like a swear jar, but instead of putting money in every time you curse, you have to put money in every time you complain – kids add $1 and adults add $5 per whine/complaint/argument. Next Sunday we’ll donate all the money to a local food pantry.

Depending on the weather this week, I may have a complaint barrel instead. That food pantry will be set for the rest of the year.

My question about all this is, does it count if I’m whining on the inside, but change my tone so it doesn’t sound like a complaint? For example, I can say, “It’s so hot,” and it sounds like a statement, while inside I’m thinking, “It’s so hot and I’m going to die and this weather is horrible and I’m sweaty and I can hardly wait for fall.” So I’m not actually whining out loud, but inside I’m having a little tantrum.

Never mind. Don’t answer that. I’d rather not know.

I’ll have to report back and let you know how it goes. I’m just praying I don’t go broke.