Instead Of Complaining

Posted on June 26, 2019 by America's Keswick in Freedom Fighters

Then he said, “If the Syrians are too strong for me, then you shall help me; but if the people of Ammon are too strong for you, then I will come and help you.” — 2 Samuel 10:11 (NKJV)

I am probably gonna step on some toes with this writing today, and quite frankly, I don’t care. It’s just that I am just seeing way too much pseudo “defending the faith” nonsense on social media and hearing way too much in the vein of those who think they know better that I just got two words for ya today…STOP IT!!

You are all turning the worldwide echo chamber into a worldwide black hole of social noise so bad and so fast that you are becoming useless in the ways of encouragement. Now, you can go on and tell me that if I don’t like it turn it off, tune it out or keep my mouth shut about it and that’s all well and good but it doesn’t change the fact that you’re all doing more harm than good and you all need to…STOP IT!!

So, what is it that you’re all doing (and this includes the writer)? Complaining!! Now you can correct me if you feel that I am wrong and that’s all well and good but it is not changing the fact that, since we’ve been given a platform for all the world to read, we are doing this at a rapid rate now. Sometimes it’s veiled behind the improper use of Scripture, a borrowed quote from some theologian or a clever phrase we just thought of but, none the matter, we’re complaining too much. And it ain’t helping nobody, no how. We’ve even changed the idea of complaining into what is now called a “rant” of which mine is done…finally. Anyway!!

In 2 Samuel 10, we find that the mighty men of David are summoned and are being led by a general named Joab. Now you should read how this came about (2 Samuel 10:1-10) but by the time Joab has readied his troops for battle the enemy has him pretty much surrounded. So, he turns to his brother, Abishai, for assistance, “Then he said, “If the Syrians are too strong for me, then you shall help me; but if the people of Ammon are too strong for you, then I will come and help you.” (2 Samuel 10:11) and he’ll offer these words of encouragement…

“Be of good courage, and let us be strong for our people and for the cities of our God. And may the LORD do what is good in His sight.” (2 Samuel 10:12)

Joab could have complained to David about the odds being against his army, he could have complained that maybe David shouldn’t have thought the Ammonites, “stunk to the high heaven” after Hanun’s act of humiliation towards the servants of David, he could have complained that David sending servants to counsel his enemy, the newly kinged Hanun, after the death of his father wasn’t exactly a smart move, but he didn’t go there. Instead of complaining, Joab faced the challenge by turning to his brother for help and because Joab could humble himself in that, Abishai responded in kind. A great victory was won that day and by the end of 2 Samuel 10 we’ll see the word “peace” being used.

The apostle Paul would write many years later, “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men” (Romans 12:18). He didn’t say, “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, broadcast your dissatisfaction with all men continually on your social media page until everyone agrees that you’re a wise sage and should receive high praise for your observations into men’s faults, you ace of spades!” Au Contraire!! By the end of that chapter Paul will advise us, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21). That takes humility, doesn’t it?

For those of us with access to America’s Keswick Colony Facebook page, we’ll see posts made by folks who do what Joab had done by saying that they’re knee deep in a situation and need help. Prayer is always offered up, as it should be, but we’ll also see folks reaching out and saying that they are ready to go shoulder to shoulder with friends who are in the midst of battle and need the rear flank covered.

All in all, I guess a little humility in the face of adversity goes a lot further than whole lotta complaining. The echo chamber of social noise could use a little more encouraging words and a whole lot less stingy, back biting words. All it takes is a comforting word that the Prince of Peace would use. Let Jesus speak and watch what happens. Amen?

Written by Chris Hughes: Chris, a graduate of The Colony of Mercy (11-2003) has been married for 25+ years (Kathy), has a married son (Kevin) and a daughter in college (Karen). He has been a Freedom Fighter contributor since 2008.

The Daily Bible Reading: Joel , Philippians 4| You can download our 2018 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here

Think About This: “We must stop complaining about where our culture is going and resolve instead to do something about it. We must lock shields with other men around us and refuse to allow one another to fail any longer in the battles for our marriages and families.” — Stephen and Alex Kendrick

This Week’s Verse to Memorize: Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? – Romans 2:4

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the doctrinal and theological views held by America’s Keswick.

 

 

 

 

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