Complaint Department

Complaint Department

“Do all things without murmurings and disputings:”

‭‭Philippians‬ 2:14

When I was younger I worked in retail at some of the larger big box stores and held various positions around those companies. 

At one of these stores, a very large retailer of clothing, hardware and everything else you could think of, they had a customer service department. Within this department there was another department who’s sole responsibility was taking complaints. 

Back then, most complaints were hand written or when someone would come into the store with a complaint. Usually the in-person complaint would never actually see a a manager, they would have to leave their complaint to be followed up on at a later time. 

It amazed me at the time that there was an actual department for complaints. An actual amount of workforce dedicated to handling people who complained. Some were legitimate, however a majority of complaints were just that, just complaints. 

Nowadays, people can email, blog, tweet, leave a voicemail and post a complaint in just about every form and fashion you can think of. 

Complaining hasn’t just been made convenient, it’s not just been made acceptable and inviting. It’s encouraged to voice your disapproval of something or someone. 

In fact, I see more complaining on a day to day basis when I go out. People go out of their way to complain and are less likely to have any other form of interaction with a stranger - other than a complaint. 

We have created a nationwide department of complaints. Unfortunately it does not coincide with what the Bible commands of us. 

As Christians we are to follow the practices and principles, the teachings and learnings and the methods and encouragements of Jesus Christ. We are to follow the divinely inspired Word of God that is the Holy Bible. We are the to be the light, even in a dark world. 

“That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;”

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2:15‬

I think about the things that are complained about and then think about the persecution of Christians and the way that Jesus was raised on a cross. 

We complain about slower wait times, longer lines and food that we order. People were beheaded for possessing a Bible. Yet we complain when someone brings us the wrong food we ordered as if it were our last meal. 

It’s true that some of what happens in this world is very disappointing nowadays. And true, there will never be a shortage of things to complain about. But sit and think about what we actually complain about.

So here’s a challenge. I challenge you to read the Bible and find a command that says to complain. Find a command from God that says to be disappointed and discouraged. Find somewhere where it says to burden someone else with your disappointments. 

Life can be hard and truly overwhelming and difficult at times. It can bring pain and discomfort. But as Christians, we are commanded to be the light. It’s easy to complain, but it’s just as easy to be the light in someone else’s world. 

Can you imagine if more people had compliments over complaints? 

My challenge to you today is to send someone a compliment, give someone a compliment in person or post a thank you or recognize someone for something they did. 

After all, both are free to give, but the compliment will pay for itself over and over.  And I’m pretty sure there is no complaint department in Heaven. 

“Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain. Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all. For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me.”

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2:16-18‬