April 30, 2008
"Stop Whining and Start Growing”
On Sunday we discussed “Real Conflict.” One aspect of conflict that none of us cares to confess is, conflict makes us complain. I despise my natural impulse to complain because of normal life conflicts. To combat the impulse to complain,
I permitted Dr. Laura Schlessinger to give me a good “kick in the butt” by reading her book, Stop Whining and Start Living.
Dr. Schlessinger believes there are two types of complaining. She calls them “effective and ineffective complaining.” Effective complaining pushes us to make the necessary changes and adjustments identified through common conflicts. Ineffective complaining is a mindless whining that requires no changes.
Conflict, if we respond to it properly, helps us to make necessary life adjustments. But, if we avoid change, or replace change thinking without complaining, we perpetuate the reason for the conflict.
The psalmist wrote:
“How great are your works O Lord! Your thoughts are very deep!”
Psalm 92:5 RSV
Perhaps conflict is one of the great works of God growing us into our full potential. Perhaps the thoughts of God are deeper than our immediate perception. If we seek His wisdom and guidance in every conflict, we can become better people. I propose this paraphrase of Dr. Laura’s book title: Let’s Stop Whining and Start Growing!”
Doc
Dr. Dave Collings
Lead Pastor
Christ Church
