Yesterday I proposed a new rule, mostly for myself – even though I tend to dislike and ignore rules.
No complaining unless you’re prepared to do something about it.
Mostly, I’m thinking about how much more focused I could be on stuff that matters if I followed my own proposed rule. Honestly – how much mental energy do you and I spend griping about stuff we either can’t control or aren’t willing to invest any time or effort to change?
Don’t know about you, but my list would be far too long. I’m thinking if I could chop even a few items off that list, I might be more productive and a little less like the old guy shaking his fist at the clouds.
In a well-known Scripture, Paul says, “…we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” He’s talking about spiritual warfare, and I wonder if endless, pointless complaining isn’t a really effective way to take my mind in harmful directions.
As I think through this, perhaps “rule” is the wrong word. Rules are black-and-white and as soon as you violate a rule there’s guilt – which is why I don’t like rules in the first place. Perhaps guideline? Or guardrail?
So, thinking about The FREEDOM TOUR and the kids at the Home of Hope. I invest far too much mental energy worrying and complaining about Why don’t more people join us? or Why don’t we raise a lot more money?
You and I know a rule isn’t going to magically make all of that change. But – the awareness of a guardrail, knowing it’s harmful to continue such behavior, might help me capture some of those complaints and turn them in a more positive direction, one that actually serves the kids we’re attempting to help.
None of this, of course, happens with my own strength. Jesus and I have some conversations ahead.
What’s an area in your life where you need to capture some complaining thoughts?