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We are living in a generation of murmurers. Murmur means to be
obstinate, to complain and grumble in a low voice. Murmurers covertly
stir up trouble. They are gossiping-manipulative- cowards who try
to propagate a personal agenda by inciting riot and discontent while
operating in alleged anonymity. Murmurers are often unforgiving,
ruthless, and self-seeking. Murmurers often engage in backbiting
and slander while distorting and misrepresenting the truth.
I have purposely painted an ugly picture of murmuring and the people
who participate in murmuring. In a word, murmuring is a sin. Yet,
it has become as common as sliced bread in our society. Christians
must be extremely careful not to be caught up in murmuring. What
do we learn from the Bible about murmurers and murmuring?
* Murmuring is contentious; it tests the Lord (Ex. 15:24; 16:2-12;
17:3-7). As the children of Israel contended with the Lord because
of their lack of faith, so murmurers do today. Every time we murmur,
we are testing the Lord in unbelief. Just think: When I murmur,
I am telling the Lord and people around me that I do not believe
God.
* Murmurers are rebellious (Deut. 1:26-27). Have you ever known
a trouble-making murmurer who was not rebellious? We cannot murmur
without rebelling in unbelief.
* Murmurers pay a penalty for rebelling against the Lord (Num.
14:2, 29; 1 Cor. 10:8-10). The penalty for the children of Israel
was that they could not enter the promise land. Of that generation,
only Joshua and Caleb (who did not murmur against the Lord) entered
the promise land. Also there is a price to pay for murmuring in
this life. Have you ever known a happy and content murmurer? Have
you known someone who always talked negatively and was happy?
* Murmurers do not heed the word of God (Ps. 106:25). Those who
heed God's word are happy and content having a spirit of meekness.
These people never murmur because they fully trust the Lord to deliver
them from trials while looking to their heavenly home.
* Murmurers are offended at God's grace, mercy, love, and kindness
(Matt. 20:11). Murmurers are always comparing themselves to others.
They are never content. If a murmurer ever made it into heaven he
would spend his time complaining about all of the other people in
heaven. Of course, there will be no murmurers in heaven.
* Murmurers are ignorant, speaking against the things which they
do not understand (Lk. 5:30; 15:2; 19:7; Jn. 6:41, 61). When someone
murmurers they are showing their ignorance (or perhaps their stupidity).
The Jews often murmured against Jesus. Did they ever stop to consider
that Jesus was right and they were wrong? Did the Jews, who persecuted
Jesus to the death, take time to ask questions and learn from Him?
Murmurers generally think that they are right and that everyone
else is wrong. They are ignorant and unwilling to learn.
* Murmurers are ungodly people (Ju. 12-16). There is not one godly
person living upon the earth who is a murmurer. These ungodly people
often try to turn people against God by teaching lies. They may
use flattering speech or stir up contention. Murmurers will do anything
to turn someone away from God.
* Christians should never murmur (Phil. 2:14-16). Paul expressly
commands us to do all things without murmuring and disputing. If
we murmur, we have sinned and must repent and pray for forgiveness.
Who is a murmurer? He is contentious, testing the Lord, rebellious,
punished by God, does not heed the word of God, offended by God,
ignorant, and ungodly.
Who likes being around a murmurer? How many murmurers will be in
heaven?
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