Ministers Blogs
““IS THIS YOUR LATEST SELFIE?””
Categories: Christian PrinciplesUnfortunately, even after some grumpy people become Christians, they bring their grumpiness with them. Since they have always been this way, they often believe grumpiness is an integral part of who they are rather than a flaw that needs to be changed. Other Christians may have been happy earlier in life but find themselves being grumpier as they get older.
Folks, grumpiness is at odds with the joy of the Lord --- “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,” (Gal 5:22).
As grandpa would say --- “Grumpiness is a drag on your voyage through life. Grumpiness is like barnacles on the hull of a boat. Barnacles are the bane of boat owners because the little crustaceans cluster by the thousands, increasing drag and decreasing a boat’s fuel efficiency. Grumpiness (like barnacles) attaches itself to our outreach and edification efforts and become a real drag on our effectiveness. Grumpiness also weighs us down and keeping us from experiencing all that it means to “walk by the Spirit” (Gal 5:16, 25).
A grateful heart is a happy heart. Grumpiness and thanksgiving cannot co-exist. Choose to “give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thes 5:18). Grumpy people are so focused on what is not right that they overlook what is right. Overcoming an attitude of negativity requires that we stop feeding it. We have the responsibility to guard our hearts (Prov 4:23). Here’s a helpful hint - start a thankfulness journal. In the journal, record one thing each day that you can be grateful for. Then, when grumpiness sets in, change your focus by reading the journal and reminding yourself of God’s unending goodness.
“Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in all ways.
The Lord be with you all.” (2Th 3:16 ASV).
By John A Gray
