p. 242 | SIN OF MURMURING by H. F. Phelps

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Apr 22, 1889

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 15, No. 16.

SIN OF MURMURING

By H. F. Phelps

GOD'S OBJECT LESSONS. NO. 3.

SIN OF MURMURING.

I SAY it fearlessly, It is a sin to murmur. Judging, however, by their actions, some do not seem to think so. But I open my Bible and read: "Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer." 1 Cor. 10:10. In verse 11 Paul tells us that these things happened unto them for ensamples. God did not make them murmur so that they could be ensamples of murmuring, and we thereby be the more adept in this art of murmuring, but they gave themselves over to a spirit of complaining, murmuring, and fault-finding, and then these very things were "written for our admonition upon whom the ends of the world are come," with all their dread results of punishment and destruction.

In the history of the ancient people of God we see many notable examples, object lessons, if you please, examples of people who murmured and kept on murmuring till God's forbearance reached its limit, and quick punishment followed. And we do well that we take heed to these things, for by them God would teach us important lessons.

Some people murmur at almost everything; when it is not one thing, it is sure to be another. Their minds are prolific in invention of something to complain about. They complain of the weather; it is too hot or too cold, too wet or too dry. There is murmuring in the family, and in the neighborhood, in the church, and out of it. The sermons are too long or too short. The singing don't suit. There is murmuring in the Sabbath-school. The lessons are too hard or too long. There is murmuring against our leaders, the elder, the deacon, the superintendent, or somebody else, but "my own dear self, I'm all right." We complacently rub our hands and act, if we do not say, "I am thankful that I am better than other men." But read Ex. 16:8: "Your murmurings are not against us, but against the Lord."

Christ, the great Exemplar, says: "Murmur not among yourselves." John 6:43. But does it do any good to complain? Can we make one hair white or black? Suppose there are some things in this vain world that are not just to suit our minds, or suppose there are some things that are positively wrong, will it improve matters to murmur about them, to whisper our discontent, and be sure to make all feel our dissatisfaction? Who says it will? If it will not, why indulge in it? Who first began the work of murmuring if it was not Satan himself? Did he gain anything by it? Will you gain by it? He was debased, driven from the presence of God, and he will fall lower and lower, till he will come to ashes in the sight of all that dwell upon the earth. And this will surely be the lot of all who do not overcome the spirit of murmuring.

But look for a moment at the object lessons that God sets before us in his word. There was Miriam, the sister of Moses and Aaron. She was a family murmurer, and she was punished with leprosy. Read Num. 11:1, 4-9, 33, and we may find some neighborhood murmuring. And the plague fell upon them and many died. On the occasion of the return of the spies, there was a regular neighborhood broil because some murmured. This spirit is catching. In this case it pervaded the whole camp. Chap. 14:1. But Caleb and Joshua were of another spirit, and tried to encourage them; but they would not be encouraged. They chose to look upon the dark side. They cherished a spirit of unbelief, and were filled with unbelief; they cherished a spirit of murmuring, and they were filled with it. They could drink of the very spirit of which they desired. And God said, "Your carcasses shall fall in the wilderness." And the spies who had brought up the evil report, died right then and there. Tell me, kind reader, is there no sin in murmuring?

But I am not yet done. There were some who murmured against the chosen leaders of God's people, and some who aspired to the highest position. Not satisfied with the place assigned them of Providence, they aspired to the priesthood also. They viewed things in a perverted light. Please read all of that intensely interesting chapter, Num. 16. The earth opened her mouth and prepared herself their grave. Why?—They murmured, and in this they sinned against God. And fire consumed the two hundred and fifty men who offered incense. Now, dear reader, I pray you put that spirit of murmuring far away from you. Indulge it no more. Consider these examples; learn the lessons designed; and may we meet among the saved.

H. F. PHELPS.