Honestly, I try my best not to complain.
I’m sure I’m guilty of it from time to time—I’m human, after all—but I never want anyone to be able to point to something and say, “Yeah, that’s what he’s always complaining about.” That idea bothers me more than the things themselves.
“I really wish I could find myself someone who will never stop complaining about the things that bother them,” said no one. Ever.
Complaining doesn’t fix anything. In fact, it usually makes things worse. All that energy gets poured into negativity instead of resolution, frustration instead of progress. And Scripture doesn’t mince words about it—both the Old and New Testaments repeatedly remind us that complaining isn’t harmless venting; it’s a spiritual problem.
Scripture doesn’t leave much room for ambiguity on this. Paul writes, “Do all things without grumbling or disputing” (Philippians 2:14).
That said, I know myself well enough to admit that I do complain occasionally. When I do, it’s usually about time—or the lack of it. During the school year especially, time feels compressed, rushed, and fragmented. I value quiet, margin, and space to think, write, and reflect, and when those things get squeezed out, I feel it quickly.
I also catch myself grumbling about inefficiency: systems that don’t work, unnecessary steps, distractions that steal minutes I don’t feel like I have to spare. And if I’m honest all the way down, those complaints usually aren’t about time or systems at all—they’re about control. I want more of it than I have.
Even so, I try to keep those moments rare and fleeting. If you ever hear me complain about a situation now and then, that’s probably just me being human. But if you ever notice me continually complaining—about the same thing, or about everything—I genuinely want you to tell me. I’d like to know that about myself so I can knock it off and shut myself up.
Because I know this much: time isn’t something I own, control isn’t something I’m promised, and complaining isn’t something that honors God—or helps anyone else. Faithfulness with what I’ve been given will always matter more than frustration over what I haven’t.
I don’t always get that right. But I’m trying.
Copyright © 2026 Doug DeBolt.
