Grumbling About God’s Provision

“Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish. Philippians 2:14-15.

There’s no wiggle room in that passage. Paul says do all things without grumbling or disputing, not some things. That means when the boss piles on extra work or you get a flat tire, you’re supposed to accept it without complaint. Paul also lumps “disputing” in with grumbling, seeing both of these sins as serious flaws that could destroy unity in the church.

It’s much more natural to complain about our spouses, children and friends, our bosses and elected leaders. We grumble because we can’t find anything to wear in a closet stuffed with clothes, or anything to eat in a refrigerator that’s full of food.

One of our favorite complaints is that we don’t have enough money. You might think that If only you had just a little more, your life would be so much better. You like to believe that and sometimes you even say it out loud. No good ever comes from it. Instead of trying to earn more or spend less, you complain, and once you start, it’s hard to stop. Grumbling begets more grumbling.

It’s important to understand that this grumbling is actually rebellion against God and a form of blasphemy. Whenever you find fault with your boss, your bank account, or your spouse— you’re really finding fault with God. He is the One Who’s given you those gifts, and your grumbling is discontent with His provision.

God does not view grumbling lightly. He even imposed the death penalty on Israelites who complained about being in the desert. In Numbers 21, the Lord sends a plague of serpents on the grumblers and many died. Ultimately, a whole generation of them wasn’t allowed to enter the Promised Land.

If we looked at our carping and complaining from God’s perspective, we would probably better understand the wrath He unleashed on the Israelites. He brought them out of slavery and provided for their every need in the desert. But showing an amazing lack of gratitude, they were soon complaining that life was better when they were slaves of the Egyptians.

God has given us everything we have— and of course the greatest gift is that of His Son on the cross for our salvation. Christ tore the veil that once separated us from God, allowing us to commune with Him more fully.

Because of Christ’s sacrifice, our sins are forgiven, our sin debt is canceled. We’re clothed in the righteousness of Christ. How then do we live out the practical application of that relationship? As Paul says in Philippians 2, “Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish.”

We should be content because we know that anything we experience on earth is temporary, and that our life with Christ in heaven will be eternal. That contentment— when everyone else is grumbling— is a powerful witness for Christ. To find that contentment, we must focus on Christ and not ourselves.

That’s exactly what Paul did. He was shipwrecked, beaten and ultimately martyred for proclaiming the Gospel. In Philippians 4:12-13 he says, “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

There are several barriers to finding the kind of contentment in Christ that Paul describes. One of the greatest is spiritual. We lack the understanding that God owns everything— including us— and that it’s His decision what, when and how He provides for us. It takes spiritual growth— discernment from the Holy Spirit— to get that.

Another barrier to contentment is cultural. We’re constantly bombarded with messages of scarcity and materialism. Commercials tell us “You can have it all.” Bumper stickers proclaim, “He who dies with the most toys wins.” But wins what, exactly? Certainly not contentment. Often the more stuff you have, the less content you are.

Finally, there’s also a personal barrier to contentment. We allow worldly influences to dictate whether we’re satisfied with God’s provision— rather than Scripture, which repeatedly instructs us about the blessings of humility and contentment.

In 1 Timothy 6 we find, “Godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.”

When you’re tempted to grumble about your spouse, your job, your retirement account or anything else— pray for a spirit of gratitude for what God has already given you. Be thankful that He’s kept His promise to provide for your needs. Most of all, be grateful for Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. He died for you— and never once complained.