The Squeaky Door

Bible Reading: Exodus 17:1-7; 1 Corinthians 10:10-12

“Hey, Cara! Don’t forget to get the wastebasket from my room,” said Greyson as he opened the door to go out.

Cara scowled at him. “I hate taking out the trash.” She turned to her mother. “Greyson always gets the easy stuff to do, while I have to tramp around the house collecting smelly old garbage!”

“You chose that job for this month,” Mom reminded her. “You said you were tired of dusting and folding laundry and that Greyson always got the easy jobs—like emptying the trash.” Cara muttered to herself as she left to start collecting wastebaskets.

A little later, the back door squeaked loudly as Greyson pushed it open and came back in. “That squeaky door is driving me crazy!” Cara said crossly. “Quit going in and out, Greyson.”

Greyson grinned and turned back toward the door. “I think I left something outside. I’ll be back in a minute.” He swung the door back and forth.

“Mom, make him stop!” Cara whined, covering her ears.

“Enough, Greyson,” said Mom. “Quit teasing.”

Just then Dad opened the squeaky door. “I guess it’s about time for me to oil these hinges,” he said. “They’re complaining pretty loudly.” He let the door squeak shut behind him as he walked in. “Remember the Bible verses we read in family devotions last night—the ones about the Israelites after they left Egypt? They complained a lot—just like this screen door. It needs oil, and I think they needed to apply oil to their lives by remembering God was supplying all their needs—just like we as Christians need to remember all our needs are fulfilled in Jesus.”

“Yeah. Some people around here need some of that oil too,” said Greyson, giving his sister a grin.

Cara sighed. “I guess I have been pretty squeaky lately.”

“Well, you can apply oil to that squeak by focusing on Jesus,” said Dad. “When we constantly complain, it’s a sign we’re not remembering all He’s done for us and relying on Him to meet our needs.”

Cara straightened up. “Okay…sorry for complaining. Now, who has trash they’d like me to get rid of?” – Maria I. Sellers

How About You?

Do you complain a lot? Are you constantly telling those around you about every little thing that isn’t exactly the way you’d like it? If so, you need to apply some oil to your life. Remember all Jesus has done for you and learn to be content with whatever He’s given you. Instead of complaining, praise Him and be glad you’re able to live and work for His glory.

Today’s Key Verse: Philippians 2:14 (ERV) Do everything without complaining or arguing.

Today’s Key Thought:

Don’t complain