Complaining
Title: Complaining
Subject: Complaining
Volume VI, Issue 19
May 8, 2006
May God bless you this day... to move mountains!
There are two traits common to everyone on this planet. We complain and then usually do nothing about it. We seem to enjoy complaining. It can be about anything - jobs, children, the cost of things, what we have, what we don't have, the last football game, national decisions, and so on. The words flow effortlessly as they gush from our mouths into a flooding pool of discontent. (Enough water metaphors?) But we seldom do anything. At least anything meaningful. Some will make an effort here and there. We may promise change, tell someone of our complaint, or go to the "person in charge". A few will even attend meetings or join in marches. But not many. It's easier to complain. Why are we like this?
Every day we encounter five key factors that influence us in one way or another. The same five that so affected the churches in Ephesus, Sardis, Thyatira, Pergamum, and Laodecia that God rebuked them in the Bible (Revelation 2 and 3). They are: Arrogance, Power, Intimidation, Complaisance and Apathy.
In Arrogance we become self-centered and slaves to pride. The needs and welfare of others have little importance. We are so focused on our own wants and desires, we fail to see the hurt and despair in others. Sara goes to change a car title and get a new tag. The wait is ridiculously long and the lady behind the counter acts all high and mighty. What would you think: What a jerk or I'll pray for her as she deals with all these people every day who take out their irritation on her? Where is the Arrogance?
Through Power we seek authority and the ability to effectively influence others. But it can go too far when we try to take control or force people to do what we want. Dave gets put off in having a permit approved for a much needed health clinic. As he leaves, he notices the approval stamp has been left on a desk. What would you do? Apply the stamp when no one's looking or Pray that God will intervene?
Intimidation is interesting. It's influence leads many to use it as a way of manipulating and even discouraging people. Others are influenced by what they assume is its use, being intimidated simply because of the authority they encounter. Some become stubborn and dig in. Some react with fear and dread. Ron desperately needs the highway near his business repaired. He goes to see his senator and a transportation official to demand they act. The official says it can't be done at this time while the senator refuses to meet him at all. Would you: Threaten to have the senator recalled and the 30 year civil servant fired or Pray that God would guide you and let you be more successful in future meetings?
Complaisance and Apathy are also important factors. They appear less significant because not much seems to happen, but that''s where their importance lies. In Complaisance we yield to the demands, opinions and arguments of others, but not because we're intimidated. We just don't want the hassle, so we concede to their positions or beliefs. Apathy is quite different. There's no concession, because there''s nothing to concede. In Apathy, we have a complete lack of interest and concern. We simply don't care.
Last week I asked that you join us in a prayer event for those in government, regardless of the country you''re from. The responses have been interesting. Some mentioned people because they are good, others because they're bad. Several said, Please pray for me. And a few asked, What about us, too? For those, we have now opened the list to any one in any way who works in or for any government. But many sent no one at all and if you are one of those, please consider this.
When we think of government, we are often influenced by Arrogance, Power, Intimidation, Complaisance and Apathy. How dare they treat us like that! Who do they think they are? They can't scare me, I'll see them kicked out of office. You can''t fight the government. Who cares, it won't make any difference. We need to fight against these influences. Why? Because they will lead us away from God. They become mountains in our lives, preventing us from seeing Who ultimately has the authority, Whose direction is most important, Who removes all fear, Who never yields and Who truly cares. Prayer brings us back.
Through May 11, continue to send us the names, where they are and what they do. In the next few days you''ll see them on our web site. Then at 12 noon on May 12, wherever you are, take a moment to pray for them. And what do I expect from all of this? Fair question. I expect to move mountains.
I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ''Move from here to there'' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you. Matthew 17:20
Take care and be God's,
Chuck
Encourage one another, as long as it is called Today!
Hebrews 3:13
CILOA... for Christ Is Lord Of All
A Christian ministry dedicated to encouraging others. To learn more abut this ministry, please visit us at www.Ciloa.org.
Ciloa is a registered trademark of Ciloa, Inc., a non-profit 501(c)(3) ministry. A Note of Encouragement, A Word of Encouragement, and the material presented in such publications and broadcasts are copyright interests held by Ciloa, Inc.
May 8, 2006
May God bless you this day... to move mountains!
There are two traits common to everyone on this planet. We complain and then usually do nothing about it. We seem to enjoy complaining. It can be about anything - jobs, children, the cost of things, what we have, what we don't have, the last football game, national decisions, and so on. The words flow effortlessly as they gush from our mouths into a flooding pool of discontent. (Enough water metaphors?) But we seldom do anything. At least anything meaningful. Some will make an effort here and there. We may promise change, tell someone of our complaint, or go to the "person in charge". A few will even attend meetings or join in marches. But not many. It's easier to complain. Why are we like this?
Every day we encounter five key factors that influence us in one way or another. The same five that so affected the churches in Ephesus, Sardis, Thyatira, Pergamum, and Laodecia that God rebuked them in the Bible (Revelation 2 and 3). They are: Arrogance, Power, Intimidation, Complaisance and Apathy.
In Arrogance we become self-centered and slaves to pride. The needs and welfare of others have little importance. We are so focused on our own wants and desires, we fail to see the hurt and despair in others. Sara goes to change a car title and get a new tag. The wait is ridiculously long and the lady behind the counter acts all high and mighty. What would you think: What a jerk or I'll pray for her as she deals with all these people every day who take out their irritation on her? Where is the Arrogance?
Through Power we seek authority and the ability to effectively influence others. But it can go too far when we try to take control or force people to do what we want. Dave gets put off in having a permit approved for a much needed health clinic. As he leaves, he notices the approval stamp has been left on a desk. What would you do? Apply the stamp when no one's looking or Pray that God will intervene?
Intimidation is interesting. It's influence leads many to use it as a way of manipulating and even discouraging people. Others are influenced by what they assume is its use, being intimidated simply because of the authority they encounter. Some become stubborn and dig in. Some react with fear and dread. Ron desperately needs the highway near his business repaired. He goes to see his senator and a transportation official to demand they act. The official says it can't be done at this time while the senator refuses to meet him at all. Would you: Threaten to have the senator recalled and the 30 year civil servant fired or Pray that God would guide you and let you be more successful in future meetings?
Complaisance and Apathy are also important factors. They appear less significant because not much seems to happen, but that''s where their importance lies. In Complaisance we yield to the demands, opinions and arguments of others, but not because we're intimidated. We just don't want the hassle, so we concede to their positions or beliefs. Apathy is quite different. There's no concession, because there''s nothing to concede. In Apathy, we have a complete lack of interest and concern. We simply don't care.
Last week I asked that you join us in a prayer event for those in government, regardless of the country you''re from. The responses have been interesting. Some mentioned people because they are good, others because they're bad. Several said, Please pray for me. And a few asked, What about us, too? For those, we have now opened the list to any one in any way who works in or for any government. But many sent no one at all and if you are one of those, please consider this.
When we think of government, we are often influenced by Arrogance, Power, Intimidation, Complaisance and Apathy. How dare they treat us like that! Who do they think they are? They can't scare me, I'll see them kicked out of office. You can''t fight the government. Who cares, it won't make any difference. We need to fight against these influences. Why? Because they will lead us away from God. They become mountains in our lives, preventing us from seeing Who ultimately has the authority, Whose direction is most important, Who removes all fear, Who never yields and Who truly cares. Prayer brings us back.
Through May 11, continue to send us the names, where they are and what they do. In the next few days you''ll see them on our web site. Then at 12 noon on May 12, wherever you are, take a moment to pray for them. And what do I expect from all of this? Fair question. I expect to move mountains.
I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ''Move from here to there'' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you. Matthew 17:20
Take care and be God's,
Chuck
Encourage one another, as long as it is called Today!
Hebrews 3:13
CILOA... for Christ Is Lord Of All
A Christian ministry dedicated to encouraging others. To learn more abut this ministry, please visit us at www.Ciloa.org.
Ciloa is a registered trademark of Ciloa, Inc., a non-profit 501(c)(3) ministry. A Note of Encouragement, A Word of Encouragement, and the material presented in such publications and broadcasts are copyright interests held by Ciloa, Inc.