Saying a lot...not doing much

Complaining...it's one of those things we hate to hear, but we expect everyone to listen when we're the one with the problem. We complain when things don't go our way, when we get impatient, when things don't go as well as we had expected, when we think we can do better than whoever is in charge, or when we get irritated with people for not carrying out our plans like they were supposed to.
We all feel like complaining sometimes, but here are a few questions to ask yourself before the next time you feel like complaining.

1. How much do you complain? How much is it about the same thing(s)?
2. What are you complaining about? Refer to the reasons we complain listed above.
3. Do you have any power to change it? And, if so, are you willing to make an effort to change it?

One of the things I was reminded of last week is that when you're doing anything worth doing, you're going to have struggles. You're going to get frustrated- with yourself, with your task(s), with others....This is perfectly fine. But it's one thing to shake your head and complain, the more noble thing to do is to take action...instead of just pointing out the problem, offer a solution and help to create a plan of action for that solution. But understand that it may not be as easy as you had hoped.

Our youth group has taken action in trying to solve a problem. The situation in Iraq is far from ideal. Click here to find out what we'll be doing this Sunday and over the next few months to take action instead of just talking about how bad it is over there.

If you're frustrated and find yourself complaining- consult your peers, friends, and better yet, God to seek guidance for dealing with the situation. Be a person of words and action. Here is a quote and a scripture to look up (or just click on the link):

"It is no use walking anywhere to preach unless our walking is our preaching."

-St. Francis of Assisi

Joshua 24:14-15