Every living person has or has had difficulties. This certainly is not Heaven because of Eve’s and Adam’s sin. This planet is cursed because of the original iniquity. All will experience hardships.
“And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life;” Genesis 3:17
Some may have a period of grace where life seems to be treating them well. Others are not having that experience now. Sooner or later, all will face trials and tribulations.
Many in the valley of challenges and hardships, even if it is a slight rumble or complaint, blame others and God. When blessings pour out on them, they are not always satisfied, grateful, and still find something not to be happy about. Often, they are just miserable.
Others, however, have a sweet spirit, even though they seem to have much to complain about and be angry over. They may be facing humbling health situations, financial fiascos, or social separations, but they usually seem to be smiling and have something positive to say through it all. Why is there such a vast difference in attitudes between the two reactions?
Those with a closer walk with the Lord, trusting His leadership and having a more positive outlook has much to do with why some have a healthier attitude toward what they are experiencing. Grumbling, ungrateful Christians usually do not have a closer, surrendered, trusting relationship with the Lord.
Why would an unsaved person want to have a life like the proclaiming Christian who cannot find anything good in their life? What a poor testimony the grumbling believers are for the cause of Christ. They are often a black-eye to Christianity.
Their complaints may:
- Convince others that God is not real or cannot help.
- Convince some God cannot take care of His own.
- Convince others that there is no difference between the lost and saved. One’s discontentment may encourage unsaved people to shy away from Christianity.
- Convince others that they are fine as they are because they have a better attitude than the complaining “Christian.”
However, a joyful, grateful, trusting believer will have a different attitude and affect on those they are in contact with. People may see that a believer:
- Truly believes there is a God, relies on Him, trusts what the Bible says, and has peace that most do not have amidst trials and tribulations.
“For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.” Hebrews 10:34
“I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.” Philippians 4:12 - Reacts differently when confronted with bad news, hard times, and a scary future.
“Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” Matthew 5:12 - Has hope, peace, and joy even when experiencing difficulties. Those are rare reactions that unbelievers seldom see. The better attitude becomes a positive advertisement for Christianity to those desiring the same comforting trust while facing problems.
“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations” James 1:2 - Does not throw up one’s hands in frustration, wanting to quit, but is calm and knows that there will be a positive outcome eventually.
Most people want joy, peace, and hope. They gravitate to those that seem to hold the treasure they seek.
Count your current blessings, not your past difficulties. If you do count your trials, you certainly will be depressed and unappreciative. Besides, enduring difficulties can strengthen one’s faith. No strong Christian got that way without facing hardships and coming out on the other side of their situation with more faith and trust.
Rehearsing the “good times” will remind you that there is hope. God fixed the situations in the past, and He WILL do it again. If you are saved, you are on the winning side. Have a good attitude and be happy.
“A complaining Christian may unwittingly be giving free advertisement for the devil.” — Bill Brinkworth
