"Don't grumble about each other, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. For look - the Judge is standing at the door!" James 5:9 (NLT)

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Grumbling and complaining are our native language. They come naturally to us. Scripture proves it. Grumbling was a constant problem and persistent sin for Israel during the Exodus. It happened again in the first days of the church (Acts 6:1-7), and it was a problem for Euodia and Syntyche in Philippi (Phil. 4:2).

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Why do we struggle so much with grumbling and complaining? Probably because we want what we want when we want it. Probably because we lack patience, and grace, and compassion. Probably because we think we're always (or mostly) right.

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What's the cure for grumbling and complaining? The Holy Spirit's presence and power. When we keep in step with the Holy Spirit he puts a gate over our mouth. He gives us patience. He increases our self-control. He makes us kinder. He changes our thinking.

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That is why when Paul wrote,"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." (Ephesians 4:29)

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Keep in step with the Holy Spirit today. Ask him to put a gate over your mouth.

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PRAYER: May the words of my mouth and meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight, my Rock and my Redeemer.