T HE children of Israel began to murmur, not only against Moses, but against the Lord. But then murmuring is by no means uncommon today, even in this land of plenty! We live in a murmuring world, and we hear it on every hand. We can expect to hear more of it too, as the Lord's coming draws nearer, for "unthankfulness" is one of the characteristics of the last days (2 Tim. 3: 2). Let us, who are the children of God, be watchful that we do not fall into this horrible sin. Even children can learn to he thankful for their many blessings. There is nothing more heartbreaking than to meet a child of God who lives in "Grumble Corner." We might expect it from those who do not trust in the Lord, or know anything of His love and care, but it is surely sad to meet a murmuring Christian.
Everything is wrong for the one who lives in "Grumble Corner." The weather is always either too hot or too cold. The prices of food are so high that he cannot buy the food he likes, Other people have more money and better clothes than he has. They have better. homes and cars too! Then he is always complaining about his many aches and pains. He finds the neighbors hard to get along with, and his teacher or employer is not treating him fairly. He thinks that even his brothers arid sisters in the Lord are thoughtless, and slight him. He seems to have such a hard lot in life, and the strange part is that no one is right but himself at least this is what he vainly thinks! Perhaps some of us have lived in "Grumble Corner" ourselves, but it is a terrible place to live, and we hope that none of our readers are living there now. Those who live there, bring great dishonor upon the Lord's name.
But there is a bright district called “Thanksgiving Screet.” The Christians who live there have the same troubles as those who live in "Grumble Corner," but they count, their blessings instead of their troubles. Sometimes the weather is bad, but they say, "This the day which the Lord hath made; w€, will rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118: 24. When the prices of food are high they remember that their Bible says, "My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." Phil. 4:1919But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19). When they see others having better things than they, they seek grace to "Be content with such things as [they] have," Heb. 13:55Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. (Hebrews 13:5). When sick and infirm they have "throne of grace" to which they can come to "obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." Heb. 4:1616Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:16). They try to act toward their neighbors in divine love, for "Love worketh no to his neighbor." Rom. 13: 10. They have also learned that they can do their work, even for a difficult employer el' teacher, "as to the Lord," Col. 3:23,23And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; (Colossians 3:23) They love their brothers and sisters h; Christ, for they have been "taught of God to love one another" — not to look for love from others! (1 Thess. 4:99But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another. (1 Thessalonians 4:9).)
Even the world looks at these Christians and says, "These people have something that we haven't got," They know it is real. It is the fruit of the Spirit displayed in our daily lives. We should never live in "Grumble Corner," and if we find ourselves there, let us own it to the Lord, and move to "Thanksgiving Street" at once. "Bless the Lord, O my soul,. and forget not all His benefits," Psalm 103:2,2Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: (Psalm 103:2)
Messages of God’s Love 6/19/1949