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June 18, 2008
In Pastor's Words
Kickers, Pickers & Stickers
. . . . is the title of one of the first messages I ever preached. The gist of the sermon was a contrast between those who “kicked” and “picked” at things that were going on in the church as opposed to those who faithfully “stuck” to the church’s ministries and message despite some things they may not have liked. If the “kickers” and “pickers” got their way, and there were no “stickers,” the church and its vast influence upon this earth would be tragically reduced and humanity might well be thrust backward into barbarism. Circumstances, changes, challenges, and choices for some are often met with a negative, critical attitude that can leave the odor of discouragement and despair upon relationships and ministries. A woman left her house and went down to the plaza to do her errands. To her disgust, she found every shop malodorous. “Phew,” she said to the clerk in the grocery store, “it stinks in here.” Going next door to the dry-cleaners, she frowned at the odor. She stepped into the bank to make a deposit and found a sewer like smell, which she complained about as she cashed her check. Returning home, she realized she had stepped in something earlier in the day, and she herself had been carrying the smell around with her everywhere she went. When we can find nothing good about the circumstances, changes, challenges and choices of life, it may be that our own attitude needs a makeover.
“Kickers” and “Pickers” are grumblers whose glass is half empty, whose outlook or attitude about life is negative and whose “soul” condition might well be termed “critical condition.” As the children of Israel made their way to the Promised Land, Exodus passages describe them as “complainers.” They said to Moses, “because there were no graves in Egypt, have you taken us away to die in the wilderness” (Ex. 14:11)? “And the people complained against Moses, saying, “what shall we drink” (Ex. 15:24)? “Then the whole congregation of the children of Israel complained against Moses and Aaron . . .” (Ex. 16:2). “ . . . and the people complained” (Ex. 17:3). The Bible strongly warns against a kicking or picking attitude against God’s servants, God’s work and God’s people. “And do not grumble, as some of them did—and were killed by the destroying angel” (1 Cor. 10:10). Why was the punishment for grumbling so severe? It was because such complaining demonstrated both a lack of gratitude for past blessings and a lack of confidence in God’s wisdom, will and ways.
There is, of course, a justifiable judgment or “constructive” criticism required of all of us against evil or wrong doing. But kicking or picking (grumbling) against others, against ministers, ministries and God’s people is tantamount to a sin God will not tolerate. Why? Because it contributes to the destruction of His church, not the building of it. Do we really want to try and buck the will of Jesus Christ who said, “I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” Grumbling discourages Christians from serving, it dissuades visitors from returning, it disagrees with God’s purposes, it distresses God’s workers and, finally, it plays right into the game plan of the enemy of our souls.
Think for a moment! What is your relationship like with the rest of your family, your church, your neighbors? Are you a “kicker” or “picker” who is carrying around a destructive “smelly” disposition that turns people away from you, or are you a “sticker,” who, despite dislikes or obstacles, does everything possible to edify and encourage others, to facilitate God’s work and to live in peace. Paul encourages, “be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you” (2 Cor. 13:11).
Pastor Ralph Partelow
Posted by Jennifer Herrmann at June 18, 2008 11:33 AM