9 Don’t grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!
Teenagers are famous grumblers. We have all grumbled as some point in our lives. Grumbling usually occurs when we feel we can’t say anything, and we believe the person telling us what to do doesn’t know what they are doing. Or often they are telling us what to do and we are simply expressing our desire not to do what they want. We have an inflated view of ourselves when we grumble. Some environments foster grumbling. If those in charge are not willing to listen to those who lead, grumbling will soon follow. They feel like their voice is not heard, like their opinion does not matter, like they have been cut out of the process. This is often how children feel. If your kids are grumbling, maybe it is time to make sure their side of things get’s heard. Maybe they see the hypocrisy in your actions, and this is the only way they can express their frustration. No matter what, it is important to listen to what they have to say. In the end, as the adult, you are in charge. But if your leadership is autocratic and unyielding, even in unimportant matters, then grumbling will result. Notice James tells us that the God in his role as Judge is about to enter. We must work hard at making just decisions with and for each other. We must learn to defer to someone else’s will. We must become flexible. We must learn to yield. Someday we will have to give account for our grumbles. For how much will you have to give an account?
The Arnold Journey 