Dealing With Troublemakers, Grumblers, And Complainers

Don’t we all know someone, either at home, at work, or in our community who always seems to want to stir up trouble? And I bet you can think of someone who always seems to want to grumble and complain. Many church leaders tell me that this happens within the church continually. It seems like no matter where we go, we come across grumblers, troublemakers, faultfinders. How do we deal with this?

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Scripture:
“But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of the Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.” – Jude 1:20-21

Observation/Application:
The book of Jude talks about people who are grumblers and faultfinders who follow their own evil desires, and who boast about themselves and flatter others for their own advantage. It talks about how these people will divide society by following their human desires and instincts . Sound anything like the world that we live in today? We see it all over the news, and in many of our new laws. We are putting people first before and above God.

There are countless examples in the Bible of what happens when we put ourselves above God, but none as memorable in my mind as Herod.

• “On the appointed day Herod, wearing his royal robes, sat on his throne and delivered a public address to the people. They shouted, ‘This is the voice of a god, not of a man.’ Immediately, because Herod did not give praise to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died.” – Acts 12:21-23

The root of the problem is the pride of man. So how do we deal with this? Fear not, God has got your back. The book of Jude gives us a great guideline as follows:

1. Build yourselves up in faith – (v.20) and we can do this by reading the Word of God, worshiping him, surrounding ourselves with fellow believers, etc.
2. Pray in the Spirit – (reference: Facing The Impossible And The Power Of Prayer). – (v.20)
3. Remain in God’s love (v.21)
4. Have compassion on doubters – (v.22)
5. Snatch others out of their sin (v.23)
6. Show mercy – forgive others even when you have the power to punish them for their wrong. – (v.23)

I hope this simple guide helps you in your daily walk with the Lord and as your peace is being challenged by all of the grumbling, troublemakers, and proud. I pray that the love of God fills our hearts and minds as we trust in Him and follow the example of Jesus Christ. Praise be to God. I call you blessed.

#Putting-God-First-And-Following-Jesus

Prayer:
Dear heavenly Father, thank you for your Word this morning. Fill us today with love, and all good things that come through you. Let your Holy Spirit overflow in us. Guide our every step. Help us be at peace when we come across grumblers and faultfinders, knowing that through your Spirit we have the power to overcome these and other challenges that we come across. Let your light shine so bright that the enemy flees from us in 7 directions. Give us your power, your wisdom, your might, your peace, all of our goodness. We receive You into our hearts right now, as we walk by faith and not by sight, trusting in You and You alone. We give you all the honor and glory and praise, in Jesus mighty name. Amen.

Today’s full reading: Isaiah 4-5; Psalm 115,116; Jude 1

Scripture References From Today’s Reflection: 

• “These people are grumblers and faultfinders; they follow their own evil desires; they boast about themselves and flatter others for their own advantage.” – Jude 1:16
• “These are the people who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit.” – Jude 1:19
• “Be merciful to those who doubt; save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear–hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.” – Jude 1:22-23
• “And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body. And be thankful.” – Colossians 3:15
• “The LORD will grant that the enemies who rise up against you will be defeated before you. They will come at you from one direction but flee from you in seven.” – Deuteronomy 28:7

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