Suggestion or Complaint

by Lynn Wellemson

Definitions from Lynn, not Webster’s dictionary:  A suggestion is an idea of how things might be improved.  A complaint is simply stating how poorly something was done.

The people of Israel in their wilderness wandering often complained against God and Moses.  Exodus 16:2-3 (ESV):  “And the whole congregation of the people of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness, and the people of Israel said to them, “Would that we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the meat pots and ate bread to the full, for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger.”

They never looked at the blessings God gave them through Moses, they only looked at the difficulties they had to go through.

Exodus 18:17-18, 21-24 (ESV):  Moses’ father-in-law said to him (Moses), “What you are doing is not good.  You and the people with you will certainly wear yourselves out, for the thing is too heavy for you.  You are not able to do it alone…Moreover, look for able men from all the people, men who fear God, who are trustworthy and hate a bribe, and place such men over the people as chiefs of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens.  And let them judge the people at all times.  Every great matter they shall bring to you, but any small matter they shall decide themselves.  So it will be easier for you, and they will bear the burden with you.  If you do this, God will direct you, you will be able to endure, and all this people also will go to their place in peace.”

Before you speak in your home, WMF group, or congregation consider if you are issuing a complaint or making a suggestion.

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