Are you a grumbler?

Beloved, do not grumble against one another, so that you may not be judged. See, the Judge is standing at the doors!
(James 5.9 NRSV)

A grumbler is a person who doesn't know how to handle the unhappiness which naturally occurs when parties disagree. Grumblers are people who do not know appropriate ways to express their disagreements with leadership. Rather than finding appropriate ways to show their discontent, grumblers stir up unhealthy conflict. That's what makes a person a grumbler. Sadly, these are frequently people who have good intentions. Yet the results of their grumbling are disastrous to the church.

One recent writer compared grumblers to termites. They slowly chew away at the foundation of confidence and vision of the people of God. Grumblers simply don't seem to know appropriate ways to have healthy conflict in their lives. They don't know how to talk about their discontentment in ways that are honest.

Don’t be a grumbler. With love and care of the people of God, be honest. Do all you can to build up the community of faith.

Dear God, move the grumbling out of my soul. Amen.