A Bad Practice

"Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned. Behold, the Judge is standing at the door!" 

James 5:9 NKJV:9

Complaining is a widespread practice. Overwhelmed by marketing that tells us to never be satisfied and to always want more and better, we are enveloped in a state of permanent dissatisfaction. We live in a state of “half-empty glass,” and without appreciating and enjoying what we have, we chase illusions to fill it to the brim. The possibility of digital connectivity everywhere certainly does not help, as it constantly puts what others are doing or have in front of our eyes, offering new things and alternatives non-stop. We are thus slowly losing awareness of the other options available to us, of the people around us, of the affections that enrich us, sadly ending up in a whirlwind of discontent, enveloped in gray clouds. These feelings of frustration affect our spiritual life, covering the serenity of our clear sky. The use of social media as a tool for denunciation and reporting conditions us to see the world around us through critical glasses. Unfortunately, we also use these lenses in our church. We have eyes to see only things that are wrong, that do not work or are lacking, while we lack the patience to consider and appreciate what is good and right.

I believe we are paying for the bad habit of communicating our complaints in posts, a way that is so distant, anonymous, and decontextualized that it cannot have any effect, in my opinion. For this reason, it would be desirable to return to human contact, which is crucial for the growth and harmony of every ecclesial community. When you have problems or complaints about the running of your church, why hide on social media or rely on a cold email? Words, even when written effectively, can be misunderstood or misinterpreted. I recommend finding the courage to talk to those responsible directly, who will certainly be willing to listen to us if we have comments and suggestions for the general good. This is the approach inspired by a spirit of love and edification, which honors the believer. The widespread culture of complaint has instead led us to focus our anger and frustration on third parties, accusing this person or that institution for the things that do not work. But, to be honest, what about us? What role does my spiritual condition play in this state of disgust? What if the cause is our own dissatisfaction?

Intolerance can lead to wrong moves, to the point that despite being involved in various community activities, we lose sight of their purpose and beneficiaries, forgetting that we are called to serve. At other times, we seek full satisfaction in the behavior or service of others. Both are dangerous attitudes that lead to disappointment. This could be the reason for discontent, that is, a kind of spiritual impatience that leads us to always consider the condition or position of those around us as lacking. Let us strive to understand that our only perfection is “Christ in us.” It thus becomes necessary to recognize our weaknesses and faults, our imperfection, so that we expect nothing from anyone but Christ. I believe that it is possible to stop this dangerous cycle and overcome our frustrations. It is a matter of ceasing to seek our own comfort and demanding that our requests be satisfied always and in every way. No one like us will ever be able to satisfy our expectations, just as we will not be able to satisfy those of others. Let us remember that we go to church to worship God, to rest in His presence, to proclaim His goodness. Devoting ourselves to this could dampen our concerns and distract us from any form of judgment on the church. Let us not be dominated by what is happening around us. Let us lift our eyes upward, toward our God: that is why we are there.

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Weekly Bible Reading Plan #35

August 25, Psalms 119:1-88; 1 Corinthians 7:20-40

August 26, Psalms 119:89-176; 1 Corinthians 8

August 27, Psalms 120-122; 1 Corinthians 9

August 28, Psalms 123-125; 1 Corinthians 10:1-18

August 29, Psalms 126-128; 1 Corinthians 10:19-33

August 30, Psalms 129-131; 1 Corinthians 11:1-16

August 31, Psalms 132-134; 1 Corinthians 11:17-34