Multitude Monday, Take 308

But grumbling is the accent of hell’s language because it’s how a creature’s pride responds to the Creator’s decision to do or allow something that the creature does not desire. Grumbling scorns God because it elevates our desires and judgments above his.

That’s why the world is so filled with grumbling. It’s ruled by the prince of the power of the air (Ephesians 2:2) and its citizens speak the official language.

And that’s why Paul tells us to “do all things without grumbling” (Philippians 2:14). The children of God should not speak with the accent of hell.

Rather, our speech should always be gracious (Colossians 4:6); it should have the accent of heaven. Those who have been forgiven so much (Luke 7:47) and promised so much (2 Peter 1:4) should speak words that are always salted with gratitude (Ephesians 5:20). That’s one way we “shine as lights in the world” (Philippians 2:15). Gospel gratitude is a foreign language here. We are citizens of a better country (Hebrews 11:16).

--Jon Bloom, "We Are Far Too Easily Displeased"

Working on my accent this week by thanking God for...

5871. our pastor starting a new sermon series - the book of Galatians!
5872. the incredible wonders of the internet - my mind is often blown at the information I can access so easily
5873. Jude entertaining himself SO well all morning on a day last week when I was crunched to meet a deadline
5874. catching him having a picnic upstairs with his stuffed animals

5875. the relief of finishing a massive project I put off for over a year

5876. companies with excellent customer service, above and beyond what I ask (Shutterfly, Kohl's)
5877. Brussels sprout chips

 

5878. the smell of fresh oranges
5879. clementine season
5880. a gracious extension on a writing assignment

5881. Christmas songs that move me to tears
5882. Steve and the boys making Grandma Kannel's cranberries

 

5883. new lipstick
5884. sparkly jewelry
5885. photobooth at Steve's company Christmas party

5886. getting to try out our dance moves at the party
5887. friends babysitting, boys loving them
5888. cranberry honey cinnamon butter
5889. the opportunity to use my gifts to serve the body
5890. the way proclaiming the gospel publicly moves me deeply

5891. reminders that I am not God, my agenda is not law
5892. Steve patiently helping Elijah with his homework
5893. grace to think twice and keep my mouth sIhut
5894. Thai food

 

5895. Handel's Messiah at the Schermerhorn

5896. the gospel proclaimed at the symphony
5897. two dates with Steve in one week!

 

5898. our babysitter serving and serving while she was here
5899. the talent He gives to writers, singers, cellists, trumpeters, conductors, architects, engineers
5900. views of the Nashville skyline at night

 

5901. Christmas cards from friends and family
5902. Steve's ability to fix our clothes dryer
5903. the way contact lenses protect my eyes from onion fumes
5904. nightly Old Testament stories in which the punchline, the climax, the hope of glory is always and only, "JESUS!"