Mr. Grumpy

We are often amused at the behaviour of assorted versions of Mr. Grumpy. Victor Meldrew (Richard Wilson), in One foot in the Grave, is my favourite. 

We may find other versions less amusing, for several reasons. 

But grumbling and complaining are features of modern life, whether the targets are the trains, the traffic, other people's driving or parking, delays in the health or social services and so on. Many of us appear to believe that we deserve to be better treated by all sorts of people of organisations. 

I am struck by the fact that many people appear to derive enjoyment, or hope for a sense of being justified in their complaints, from retelling (at great length) their own reasons for complaining.

What is striking, to me at least, is the way in which New Testament writers deal with the issue.

Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ’s return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless.' (Philippians 2.14-16)

St. Paul is writing from his Roman house arrest, facing the possibility of execution, and yet he reminds his dear Philippian friends to have a sunny disposition. At a time when Christians faced genuine persecution, he points us to eternal issues.

Living like this would make us shine out, when placed alongside the grumblers and complainers that drag everyone else down with them. How about aiming to live like this today?
Best wishes,

Richard