A Chapter on Murmuring by George I. Butler

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 16, 1873

A Chapter on Murmuring.

By George I. Butler

THE Bible teaches that God’s providence extends over all the works of his hands. It even embraces the smallest objects. “Not a sparrow falls to the ground without his notice.” “Even the hairs of your head are all numbered.” It is impossible with our finite minds to grasp the Infinite, or to conceive how these declarations can be true. But the inspired page plainly teaches them; and the care with which even the smallest objects are made, proves that God considers these things, however insignificant they may appear to us.

We cannot question the fact that God exercises a certain general supervision over all his works. This supervision is such that it is consistent with man’s free moral agency, in order that he may form a character; otherwise, he would not be amenable to judgment. The fact that man is to be judged by his Creator for his actions of course shows that he has power of choice granted to him, and can do right or wrong as he chooses. It would be strange indeed if God should punish a man for what he was absolutely forced to do against his will.

Nevertheless this free agency does not shut the providence of God out of his own universe, or destroy his supervision of it. This would be contrary to observation, common sense, and Scripture. In his infinite wisdom, God has so arranged it that trains of circumstances are set in motion which affect individuals by bringing to bear upon them influences and motives, which lead to important results. Their free-will agency is not destroyed by these, but they afford opportunities by which they may show forth their true character.

When persons act in a limited sphere, they may, by force of habit, become quite accustomed to their duties, and perform them mechanically and with apparent acceptance; but let them be providentially thrown into another sphere, which they are wholly unacquainted with, and they might appear to great disadvantage.

The ever-changing circumstances, overruled by the providence of God, constitute the school in which men are taught, and in which the good or bad qualities of their natures manifest themselves. Here their characters are formed. It is the use we make of the providential circumstances which surround us that constitutes us worthy or worthless members of society. One man may so conduct himself under a special train of circumstances that he will be growing better and better all the time. Another, under the very same, will be getting worse and worse.

Now, if he realizes the exalted position his Creator designed him to fill, he should be the master of circumstances and not their slave. To explain my meaning more fully, let me say, he should so use them as not to be lowered in degradation by them, but make them a means to call out more and more the noble powers of the human soul. It is not station, honor, or wealth, that makes the true man, but it is to make such use of our circumstances and surroundings as to develop traits of character worthy to shine through an endless eternity.

Lazarus was saved, and Dives was lost, simply because the former, in his unfavorable condition, perfected a character worthy of being saved, while the other did not, though surrounded by every blessing. Dislike it as much as we may, those providential circumstances which we, in our short-sighted views, are apt to think very much against us are the ones mainly by which those traits are developed which really ennoble humanity. Pity for those in distress, patience under adverse circumstances, meekness and humility of mind, faith and hope in times of trial, are among the most valuable traits of character. These most surely grow out of apparently adverse circumstances rightly borne. God in this manner takes the dross out of our characters. We could not learn these principles in any other school. We must therefore accept the means or not secure the end desired.

Murmuring is simply an expression of unreconciliation at providential circumstances around us. Things occur which are beyond our control. We cannot hinder them nor change them. How should we receive these things? By allowing a feeling of complaint to arise in our hearts at the providence of God? To feel unpleasant and even hateful because of them? Should we cultivate a spirit of complaint, unreconciliation, or the opposite? Here is the whole question before us. We can use these to a good purpose or a bad one just as we please. We can so school ourselves that nothing can annoy us out of our self-control, or we can be the mere sport of circumstances.

If there is a sad sight anywhere in this world, it is to see a man made in the image of his Creator, who has no control of himself. Anybody can throw him into a passion. His reason, which should guide his steps, for the time being, he cannot use. Passion rules the hour. Scarcely less to be regretted is the sight of a person ever complaining at some of the providences of God toward him. There is no excuse for such conduct. It is downright sin.

Here we see an explanation of the apostle’s statement “that all things work for good to them that love God.” The man who loves God makes the right use of the circumstances around him to develop noble traits of character. This is why the apostle “gloried in tribulation.” He knew he could draw such graces out of them, through the help of God’s grace, as he could from no other source. He could say, “I have learned in whatsoever state I am therewith to be content.” He was in a state of quiet or peace. He was satisfied. It is impossible to conceive of a more desirable state of mind. He was master of the situation. Nothing could move him.

His circumstances were of the most painful kind, or would be considered such by most men. He was whipped, stoned, and abused in every way. But he could sing in the jail when his back was ridged with stripes. Nothing could make him unhappy. If this condition of mind was desirable in Paul, would it not be in us? Certainly it would.

Now if Paul was satisfied or content in whatever state he was, he certainly did not murmur, for that is but the expression of dissatisfaction. He says, “Do all things without murmurings or disputings.” This gives no place at all for murmurings. In short, it is a sin to murmur. It stands in the way of securing the very blessings we need.

“Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed by the destroyer.” 1 Cor. 10:10. Murmuring is forbidden, and the punishment of those who did it, set before us. The Israelites are our examples. Because their circumstances were unpleasant, they complained of those whom they thought were agents in bringing them about. The Lord was displeased, and many of them fell in death. In complaining of these agents, they complained of God’s providence.

We should ever make a distinction between murmuring and complaining at things we cannot help, and an effort to cause others to see a moral wrong they are committing. In the one case we simply wrong ourselves and others, and cause trouble generally. No good is accomplished by this. We might learn a lesson of patience by the unpleasant circumstances surrounding us, and grow better all the time, if we would firmly close our mouths, and teach our hearts submission. But our murmuring is simply a curse to ourselves and others. It darkens the circle of society in which we move, causes unpleasant feelings, and discourages all within reach of our influence. How much better to gladden other hearts, with words of good cheer, of meekness and reconciliation, at the providence of God. Thus our influence would be salutary and cheering to those around us.

While it is thus an injury to others to murmur and complain, yet as we are responsible to a certain degree for the influence we exert upon others, where there is a reasonable prospect of helping others to see any wrong course they are pursuing, we have a plain duty to do it. Possibly, we might thus save a soul from death. This duty specially belongs to the Christian ministry. They should have a watchcare for souls. This should never be done with a spirit of murmuring or peevishness, but, in plainness and love, wrongs should be set before their minds for the purpose of helping them.

But murmuring and complaints are all wrong. They do no good to those who indulge in them, or to others, and only hurt. While the most precious lessons which it is possible for a human being to learn can be secured by unpleasant providences around us, by murmuring and complaining we throw them away, and plant in our own hearts bitterness, hatred, and unreconciliation toward the providence of that wise and good Being who rules his universe aright. This is worse than folly. It is wickedness.

The case of Job is an excellent example for murmurers to consider. His case shows that God has a care for his people, and that Satan can go no farther than God permits. Satan says to God, concerning Job, “Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about all that he hath on every side?” He knew he could go no farther than God would permit. Every righteous man is as truly an object of God’s care as was Job.

This shows that the providence of God is overruled by him, and that nothing comes upon them except what he permits. When Job was brought into the furnace of affliction, at first he bore his trials with surprising patience; and it may be safely said that no man can ever compare with Job in patience, when we consider the intensity of the trials to which he was subjected.

But he did murmur and complain, nevertheless. He questioned the providence of God, and wished to speak with God face to face, and plead his own cause. His three friends tried to account for his terrible affliction, by supposing there was some secret sin that brought the displeasure of God upon Job. He solemnly denied this, and argued his own case. He knew he had tried to do right, and they could not convince him of lack of integrity.

God at length speaks from the whirlwind, and shows Job the folly of trying to fathom his plans, and the wrong of complaining of his providence. Job saw it, and abhorred himself, and “repented in dust and ashes.” What, then, was Job’s sin? It was murmuring at God’s providence. If this was wrong in Job, it certainly never was right in any other man, for Job’s lot was harder than that of any other person on record. How well it would be if all the murmurers would repent of their sin as thoroughly as Job did. But most of them think it is not wrong, and have no sense at all of its sinfulness.

Having shown that murmuring in general is wrong, I wish to say a few words, in conclusion, in regard to special cases.

God has, in certain cases, chosen special agencies to accomplish his work. Noah was a man raised up of God to preach a coming deluge. Moses was a chosen instrument, called to lead out God’s people to their own land. John the Baptist was called of God, and pointed out by the word of prophecy, to go before his Son and prepare his way. Paul was a chosen vessel to do a work among the Gentiles, as Peter was among the Jews. These men were raised up, and specially fitted for their work. God’s watchful care was over them.

We now inquire, Would God have called it a light sin to hinder these men in the work, which he had raised them up to do? Certainly, he would not. We are plainly informed in the case of Moses that murmuring against him was esteemed as murmuring against God himself. There are several instances recorded in his five books in which this people are said to have murmured against God, yet the connection plainly shows that they did not speak against God personally, but against his servant Moses. And yet God regarded it as murmuring against himself. Why? Simply because God had chosen Moses as a special agent in his work.

We believe God has a special work in the earth in these last days. This work is pointed out in many prophecies. It is to be very important. It must go to “peoples, nations, tongues, and kings;” for so the Revelator declares. It is the closing work of the Christian age. Probation closes with it. The time of trouble then commences. The vials of God’s wrath then fall. The saints are raised. The wicked perish from Christ’s presence. We believe this work has commenced. If we cherish a spirit of murmuring and fault-finding in regard to this work, and toward the agents God has chosen with which to carry it on, it certainly can be no light thing in his sight.

If God has a work in the earth of special importance, it is important for every one that fears him to be in harmony with it. If he has no such work, why, it is another thing—a matter of entire indifference. Let us decide the question once and forever, and act accordingly. If we conclude he has a work, let us be on the Lord’s side; and in faith, love, and union, move on to victory.

Murmuring is all out of place in every respect. We hope people will think of their course in these things, and see if they are fulfilling the scripture which commands us to “do all things without murmurings and disputings.” Phil. 2:14. Amen.

GEO. I. BUTLER.

Battle Creek, Mich., Dec. 6, 1873.