Do Not Be a Dumpster

Here are some shortened notes from the July 1 PM message on not allowing people to use you as a dumpster --that is not allowing people to dump complaints and negative, faithless talk on you.

Philippians 2:14a - " Do everything without complaining..."
Philippians 4:8 - " Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy- think about such things."

I. HOW CAN I TELL IF I HAVE BECOME A DUMPSTER?
- What is said to you
- Do you enjoin complaining talk?
- Do you join in?

II. Why do people come to you? They trust you, you give good advice, you agree with them(egg them on) , sympathize with them, listen

It often makes you feel --important , or used , even tired

What does God want you to do?
- Direct them to Christ
A complainer has lost his/her way spiritually-- they no longer go to God or trust in God like they used to....
- do not encourage negative talk

Biblical examples: Luke 10: 38 -42
Martha at work in the kitchen complaining about Mary at the feet of Jesus listening.
When she complains -Jesus immediately point to a SPIRITUAL Dimension.

Same in John 11: 17 - 25 - Martha complains after Lazarus death " ..."if you had been here..." Jesus again point to a SPIRITUAL Dimension.

The Point -- As people dump on us - if they claim to be Christians - we need to point them back to SPIRITUAL aspects of their complain.
Are they trusting God?
Have they prayed about it?


III. What Does God Want You To Do?
1st do NOT - enable by agreeing to all their whining and pain

Do Direct them to Christ

This is a time you can witness to them - the LIGHT OF CHRIST can shine.
It is your opportunity to point to God!


Remember : Philippians 3 12- 20 --- V 19b " Their mind is on earthly things"

You must remember and remind them: V 20a --- ...our citizenship is in heaven"

Do not let earth talk -dirt talk sound as if it is the best and most important talk-

Talk that recognizes our future home is of the most value.

"When love gets low, criticism gets high. I find myself, whenever i get out of touch with Christ, I begin to be critical of others. But when I am in living touch with Christ and therefore filled with love, then love hides a multitude of sins. I feel sorry for people rather than critical of them." --E Stanley Jones