Creatures of Habit: Grumbling vs. Gratitude

For it is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure. (Phil 2:13)

The New Year brings about a desire for change.  Setting goals, resolutions, or intentions with the desired outcome being good habits.  We are all creatures of habit, for better or for worse.  Some are good habits that we have worked hard to foster; health related habits like getting 8 hours of sleep or a weekly exercise routine; being a better friend by making time for relationships.  While others are bad habits we try to break; cutting back on sugar, or spending less time on Facebook. 

This Sunday we begin a new sermon series, “Creatures of Habit.”  I think it is safe to say we all have a desire to have more positive habits in our lives. Over the next few weeks we will look at ways to build better habits…ones that will draw us deeper into our relationship with Jesus.

We begin with Grumbling vs. Gratitude.  I find it is easy to be a complainer!  The weather is too hot or occasionally too cold.   There is too much traffic on the road today.  My neighbors are sure noisy.  I could go on, but I think you get the point.  So, what if instead of complaining, my grumblings became moments of gratitude?  I am so thankful for air conditioning and a heater.  I am grateful to have a car and the ability to get from here to there.  I am grateful to have neighbors who don’t complain about my dog’s barking!

Creating a habit of gratitude takes small steps.  Looking for the moments of gratitude in our day is one that changes the attitude of our hearts.  It turns the bad habit to a good habit, a bad attitude into a good attitude, while at the same time connecting our gratitude to the One who is the giver of all things.  One less complaint can change a bad habit for the better.

See you Sunday,
Pastor Jenni 

Do everything without grumbling or arguing,  so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” then you will shine among them like stars in the sky.
(Phil 2:14-15)