Philippians 2.14-15
“Do all things without grumbling or complaining, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.”
Unfortunately, it happens all the time. You’ve seen it. You’ve experienced it. You’ve done it. We all have. It happens in organizations, on teams, and in churches. It even happens in marriages and families. It’s called many things: Gossip, backbiting, blaming, complaining, whining. James called it “grumbling.” In other parts of scripture it is called “murmuring” or simply “complaining.”
I call it BCD: Blaming, Complaining, and Defensiveness. The command of scripture is very straightforward: Don’t do it.
One of the core teachings of our consulting firm is “No BCD.”
No BCD has gained a large following, not just in the clients of our consulting firm, but in people and organizations that have rallied to the call. It has become an anthem for companies, teams, and schools, and a lifelong motto for thousands of people around the country. It seems to gain momentum every day.
BCD is self-oriented. It is complaining and grumbling because you aren’t getting what you want from the Lord, from the circumstances of life, or from other people. BCD is disobedient to God, it is disrespectful to others, and it is debilitating to you. Therefore, authentic Christianity does not complain.
Consider how God responded to the Israelites when they grumbled and complained in the wilderness of Sinai:
“And the people complained in the hearing of the Lord about their misfortunes, and when the Lord heard it, his anger was kindled, and the fire of the Lord burned among them and consumed some outlying parts of the camp.” (Numbers 11.1)
BCD doesn’t achieve goals, solve problems, or improve relationships. God forbids it, so let’s stop doing it. Indeed, the Lord calls you to navigate life’s problems and difficulties with faith, perseverance, and even joy. Get rid of any lingering attachment to the entitled mindset that you shouldn’t have to deal with frustrating or inconvenient things. You aren’t exempt.
“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” (James 1.2-4)
The Lord is calling.
