A mom was at her wits end over her son’s unthankfulness and complaining. She had tried all sorts of discipline strategies, encouragements and rewards, but still the complaining and grumbling continued.
She decided to change tactics and send him to God’s Word instead, “I want you to search the Bible and write down verses about not being thankful and about complaining. Then come find me and tell me what God says about it.”
The boy slumped into a chair and started flipping pages in the Bible. After about 20 minutes he went in search of his mom. “Well son, what did you find out?”
“Mama, I’m so sorry. Thank you for everything! I will never ever complain again!”
Mom was taken aback by his attitude, and amazed at how instantly God’s Word had transformed her son. “Well, good. I’m so glad. So what exactly did you learn?”
Mom, fully anticipating him to speak about Philippians 2:14 or 1 Thessalonians 5:18, was shocked (and a little amused) when her son exclaimed, “God sets complaining kids on fire!”
“What???? What are you talking about?”
“Numbers 11:1 says, ‘Soon the people began to complain about their hardship, and the LORD heard everything they said. Then the LORD’s anger blazed against them, and he sent a fire to rage among them, and he destroyed some of the people in the outskirts of the camp.’ ”
Mom was wide-eyed and shocked at the obscure verse her son had managed to find. She knew she should talk about context and law versus grace, but she suddenly saw the glorious opportunity she had inadvertently been handed, “Yes, well…um….you just go think about that!”
Mom’s note: Surprisingly my son has been much more grateful and far less complaining recently! 😉
Sunshine Truth: Sometimes a simple time-out doesn’t look so bad!
Jennifer Bleakley
Animals are my love language. Sharing stories of hope is my passion.
