Whiners and Workers

Have you ever worked with a whiner? The dictionary defines the word “whiner” as “a person given to excessive complaints.” Instead of completing tasks as best as they can, whiners always complain concerning their: lack of resources, lack of experience, lack of leadership, lack of communication, lack of time, lack of money, lack of help, and/or lack of ease and comfort.

Rather than displaying a persevering work ethic and an energetic spirit, the whiner is a broadcast of discontentment. It is nearly impossible for them to squeeze life’s lemon’s into lemonade, not even optimistically into a glass half-full. Scripture gives many examples of workers and whiners.

Abel worked hard to raise his lambs. He chose the best and offered it to the Lord. Cain grew some vegetables and brought them to the Lord. When God was displeased with Cain’s offering, he sulked and in a fit of jealous rage killed his brother Abel.

Noah worked hard to build the ark, warning his generation of the impending judgment of God. The scoffers laughed and carried on in sin, until the rain began to fall. Noah’s family entered the ark and were sealed in. The scoffers turned to whiners when the floodwaters began to rise and carry them away forever. (Genesis 7)

David delivered some cheese and bread to his brothers who served in Saul’s army. He went above and beyond by delivering Israel from the threats of Goliath. His brothers whined that he was even there at all. (1 Samuel 17)

Naboth worked hard to build his field into a beautiful garden. King Ahab whined when he tried to buy the field and Naboth refused to sell. Jezebel enabled her whining husband by having Naboth killed. Ahab then stole the field for himself. (1 Kings 21:1-16)

God worked to free the entire nation of Israel from the cruel grip of the Egyptians, bringing them out to the promised land. The Israelites whined in fear when they were told to enter the promised land. This kindled the anger of God, and they wandered for 40 years until the whining unbelievers died off. (Numbers 11:1)

Anything that will ever be accomplished for God’s honor and glory will be done by workers. Whiners get no honorable mentions in the Bible, nor at the judgment seat of Christ. There will be no polite applause for the Christians who only whined with discontentment.

However, when the lost souls are judged at God’s white throne, there may be vast numbers of souls lined up for miles with their whining lips full of complaints. They bought the devil’s lie that selfish complaint was akin to action.

Work is hard, but it serves a purpose. God gives us work and overseers in order to show Him that we’re honest, reliable, and willing to put forth effort. We should aim to glorify Him as we show others the character and integrity of Christ in our daily work. What do people see when they watch you work?