Why Are We so Negative?

I suspect one of the most frequently violated verses in all the Bible is Philippians 2:14: "Do everything without complaining or arguing."

Complaining has become such a national epidemic that to not quite "with it" if you don't gossip and gripe. Workers murmur about their low pay and lousy working conditions, while their bosses grumble, "You can't find good help anymore." Do you know people who complain about the weather no matter what it happens to be—as if it's always too hot, too cold, too humid, or too dry?

Remember how quickly the Israelites began complaining in the wilderness? They moaned, "If only we had meat to eat! We remember the fish we ate in Egypt at no cost—also the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions and garlic" (Numbers 11:4, 5). Instead of being grateful God had freed them from slavery, they griped because they couldn't eat at the Egyptian salad bar! Evidently miraculous manna wasn't good enough.

Christians aren't immune to the negativity epidemic. The apostle Paul urged Timothy to avoid "foolish and stupid arguments" that only produce quarrels (2 Timothy 2:23). James 5:9 bluntly warns, "Don't grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged."

Why does the Bible caution so strongly against a negative attitude?

Negativity destroys morale. Like spiritual fire extinguishers, some folks throw cold water on fresh ideas and squelch creative ministries that at least deserve a try. Churches don't thrive in an atmosphere of suspicion and constant criticism. Is God pleased when Christians who agree on 98 percent of their beliefs spend 98 percent of their time quarreling with one another about the two percent on which they disagree?

Negativity takes the lazy route. It's easy to find fault; it's hard to find solutions. It's easy to tear down; it's hard to build up. It's easy to demand, "Someone ought to do something"; it's harder to be someone to do something.

Negativity disheartens leaders. Many preachers and elders have lost sleep over lost sheep, only to find their ministries sidetracked by petty disputes and interpersonal conflicts within the body of Christ. Our goal should be to make our leaders' work a joy, not a burden (Hebrews 13:17).

Negativity steals our joy. It makes us overlook victories we could celebrate, friends we could make, refreshing laughs we could share.

Negativity hurts our witness. Non-Christians aren't attracted to churches filled with disputes, divisions, and disagreements.

Worst of all, negativity insults God. The chronic grumbler devalues God's provision, doubts God's protection, and denies God's providence.

Don't misunderstand. We shouldn't label as a grumbler anyone who raises a critical or dissenting voice. There is a legitimate time and place for respectful disagreement, healthy problem-solving, direct confrontation of error, and honest debate. When biblical prophets spoke out against sin, they weren't grumbling—they were speaking true, timely words of correction. When Jesus cast the moneychangers out of the temple, he wasn't being "negative," he was expressing holy, righteous indignation against a clear abuse of God's will. There's a big difference between the wise "no" that springs from Christian conviction and the whiny "no" that erupts from a grouchy attitude.

So the next time you're in a negative mood, ask yourself: "Am I being godly—or just grumpy?"