Kids Bible Devotional for March 26, 2024
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Focus Verse
Philippians 2:14 Do all things without complaining and disputing. (KJV)
Jump Start
Ah! I hate it when [fill in the blank].
It’s no mystery that as humans, we have preferences. There are things we love, and things we hate. It also should not be surprising that we express our preferences with our words and emotions, positively or negatively.
With the advent of social media, some people’s reactions are often shared, much to the detriment or embarrassment of the reactor. Some years ago, people began to share unpleasant outbursts from people who were not at their best. They termed these people “Karens.” No offense to you if your name is Karen or someone you care for is.
While I cannot say I agree with these negative reactions, or with posting them for that matter, it serves as an example to today’s devotion. Today’s topic deals with a matter that we are all guilty of at one time or another: being a complainer.
Today's Devotion
Keira stomped into the kitchen where her mother was preparing dinner. “Jason and Michael will not leave me alone. Will you please do something about it?”
Her mother disregarded her outburst, handing her a potholder instead. “Please take the biscuits out of the oven.”
Keira stared back at her with disbelief. “That’s it? You’re just going to let them get away with it?”
“Honey, I sent them into your room to get you to help me with dinner. Before they had a chance to tell you what they wanted, you lashed out at them.”
“That’s because they barged into my room without knocking,” Keira protested. “You know how I hate that.” Keira’s gaze fell upon a mound of meat resting in a pan on top of the stove. “Oh great, roast again. You know I don’t like roast.” She tossed the potholder onto the countertop. “I’ll just make myself a peanut butter and jelly sandwich instead.”
Keira’s younger twin brothers, Jason and Michael, bounced into the kitchen with their father. “Mmm. It smells amazing, honey,” Dad said to Keira’s mother.
“Yeah, I’m starving!” Jason exclaimed.
“I’m glad to hear it. Keira won’t be joining us at the table, though. She plans to eat a peanut butter and jelly sandwich off the kitchen floor.”
Keira’s mouth dropped open. “What? I’m not eating off the floor.”
“Why not?” her mother asked.
“It’s gross. People walk on this floor,” she bellowed.
“Oh, I can spray some insecticide on it if you want. Will that help?”
“No! That would only make it worse.”
“You’re right. The floor is probably dirty with invisible germs. Poison is toxic. But so is your grumbling and complaining. Like poison and germs, a complainer infects everyone’s mood around them. There’s no way I’m letting you bring that to the table.”
Keira sighed. “You’re right. I’m sorry, Mom. I didn’t realize I was complaining so much. I’ll just have vegetables and biscuits, if that’s okay. Oh! that reminds me.” Kiera snatched up the potholder. “I better get the biscuits out of the oven before they burn.”
Wrap Up
Complaining is a form of unthankfulness. Paul teaches the Philippians to practice contentment instead. Contentment is a state of satisfaction. Being thankful for what God has done for you rather than complaining about what you lack.
James, in the fifth chapter of his epistle, takes it a step further. He says complaint against your brother is a form of judgement against them.
When you feel like complaining, look for the good in the situation or in the person instead. Wouldn’t you agree that thankfulness is a much better reaction than complaint? God is good no matter what.
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