Murmuring: Its Evil Train of Consequences
By M. D. Amadon
No sin, it seems to me, leads to a greater train of evils than that of murmuring. When indulged in, it destroys all the happiness we might otherwise find in all the daily incidents of life; and not one good can grow out of it. It makes God a being of justice and judgment only, and not one of mercy and love. It causes us to overlook the daily blessings from his hand. It holds before us the evil of life, until we see only evil. It places good beyond our reach; not because it does not exist, but because we do not have eyes to see it. It makes us unhappy, and our friends unhappy around us. By indulging in this sin, we become impatient, and speak unkind words to our best friends. It causes us to think evil of them, and thus casts a shadow upon the walls of our homes. It does not help in the duties of life. It does not give us good appetites. It does not help us in preparing food for our tables. In reality, it makes dyspeptics of us. It destroys our health and spirits; in fact, nothing good can thrive where it exists. It will not live in a Christian heart. Notwithstanding all its sad results, how small a thing may cause a murmur. Disappointed hopes, or crossing of the will, and a seed is sown. It grows and flourishes. It is watered by the tempter, expands and increases in strength, until it becomes actual rebellion. But how may this dreadful evil be overcome? Jesus only can soften our hearts by the dews of heavenly grace—then may they be washed from it by his precious blood. If we come to him with deepest contrition of heart and brokenness of spirit, he will not turn away our prayer nor his mercy from us. How ashamed I am of the murmurings of my heart! But shall I give up the battle, and give the ground to the enemy? No, I cannot. Jesus lives. His mission of mercy is not ended. I will seek his throne. I lay myself, my will, my all, upon his altar. I will be zealous and repent. I will prepare my heart, that he may come into it. I will arise and open the door. Oh! what salvation is this; and is it for me? I have grieved Him away. My heart has not been in readiness to receive him. He could only turn away his face from me. But again I hear his voice. He does not speak in wrath. He knocks at the door of my heart. He would speak peace to me. He invites me to come to him, and he would wash away my sins. I am unworthy of such love as this. May I never grieve away his Holy Spirit. “Soul, then know thy full salvation,
Rise o’er sin, and fear, and care,
Joy to find in every station
Something still to do or bear.
Think what Spirit dwells within thee,
Think what Father’s smiles are thine,
Think that Jesus died to win thee,
Child of Heaven, canst thou repine?”