Moses heard the people of every family wailing at the entrance to their tents. The Lord became exceedingly angry, and Moses was troubled. He asked the Lord, “Why have you brought this trouble on your servant? What have I done to displease you that you put the burden of all these people on me? Did I conceive all these people? Did I give them birth? Why do you tell me to carry them in my arms, as a nurse carries an infant, to the land you promised on oath to their ancestors? Where can I get meat for all these people? They keep wailing to me, ‘Give us meat to eat!’ I cannot carry all these people by myself; the burden is too heavy for me. If this is how you are going to treat me, please go ahead and kill me—if I have found favor in your eyes—and do not let me face my own ruin.” Numbers 11:10-15
“A pastor should not complain about his congregation, certainly never to other people, but also not to God. A congregation has not been entrusted to him in order that he should become its accuser before God and men. When a person becomes alienated from a Christian community in which he has been placed and begins to raise complaints about it, he had better examine himself first to see whether the trouble is not due to his wish dream that should be shattered by God; and if this be the case, let him thank God for leading him into this predicament. But if not, let him nevertheless guard against ever becoming an accuser of the congregation before God. Let him rather accuse himself for his unbelief. Let him pray God for an understanding of his own failure and his particular sin, and pray that he may not wrong his brethren. Let him, in the consciousness of his own guilt, make intercession for his brethren. Let him do what he is committed to do, and thank God.”
Dietrich Bonhoeffer in Life Together: The Classic Exploration of Christian Community (New York: Harper One, 1954) 29-30.
Moses was frustrated with the complaining of the people of God. That led him to complain. We don’t have to follow his example.
While serving in a context riddled with challenges, we don’t have to add ourselves to the list.
This examine series is unraveling me, in a good way. It’s amazing to consider the things we complain about, isn’t it? And notice the keen insights from Bonhoeffer.
When we complain it alienates us from community. Rather than give grace, we give anti-grace.
That’s right, we distance ourselves from the place where we get what we need, and where God designed us to contribute, but failing to extend grace. That adversely shapes our generosity.
But it does not have to be that way, long term.
God help us examine our hearts and guard against becoming accusers and help us to confess our sin and to thank you for predicaments which humble and conform us into the image of your Son, Jesus, in whose name we pray, Amen.