SUNDAY August 9, 2026
Grumbling and Complaining
Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned. Behold, the Judge is standing at the door!
James 5:9
It was understandable that James taught principles of practical Christianity because he was preparing believers to be ready for when Jesus returned. It could have happened any day! While they waited for the Lord, Christians were to live victorious lives in demonstration of the power of the Holy Spirit who dwelled within them. Imagine, as they grew to full maturity, they became equipped for the work of the ministry:
And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ (Ephesians 4:11-13).
I believe the best way Christians can mature is to take steps of faith and become active in ministry––they will naturally flourish. It seems when Christians stop being active in ministry, they begin to grow comfortable and complacent, their growth is stunted and they fall back into carnality. Sadly, as they digress, these individuals begin to grumble, criticize and complain about everything. They even come against other believers.
Knowing God is Judge and that He is close to His return will cause us to live holy lives. That is a high standard. Although it is very hard to live a holy life in such an ungodly world, it is possible to do so through the sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit: “Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thessalonians 5:23).
God is doing an amazing work in and through our lives. In response to His love for us, let us keep busy until Jesus comes.
…looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ . . . .
~Titus 2:13~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
