BUGS

Attitude of Complaining

            The devotions this week are intended to compliment Pastor Dair’s series of messages called BUGS.   Things that are bugging you may be the same that bug God.  Oh, yes, God does get bugged as we shall see in the following articles. Premise: things that bug people and God are born out of wrong attitudes.

            How important are our attitudes?  What part do they play in our over- all well-being?  Isn’t God more interested in our actions than our attitudes?  If you think God isn’t concerned with our attitudes, then you need to read Numbers 11-16.

            You will notice that God really got ticked off with the Israelites attitude of murmuring and complaining.  Do you remember what happened at Kadesh-Barnea?  If not, go back and review Numbers 13 and 14.  God brought the people right to the edge of the land of Canaan which he described as “flowing with milk and honey,” but they didn’t step over the edge.  Why not?  It was right there for the taking. 

            Ten of the twelve spies came back whining and complaining about giants and fortified cities.  Only Joshua and Caleb gave a good report and said, “Let’s go in and conquer the land.” (Nu. 13:30) 

            How did the people respond to Joshua and Caleb’s report?  “The whole community began to talk about stoning Joshua and Caleb.”  (Nu. 14:10)

            Do you see their attitude?  No faith.  Wrong attitude!  “Stone them with stones.” 

            Their attitude of whining, murmuring, and complaining really bugged God.  When they threatened to do away with two of his choice servants, God decided it was time to reveal himself. 

            And the Lord said to Moses, “How long will these people treat me with contempt?  Will they never believe me, even after all the miraculous signs I have done among them?  I will disown them and destroy them with a plague.  Then I will make you into a nation greater and mightier than they are?  (Nu. 13:11-12)