So maybe I was wrong

1.  How would you prove that murmuring is a sin?

When I got this weeks questions I thought it was nothing much, but then I read. 

1 Corinthians 10:10

Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.

So it's something that can attract God's judgment, but is it sin. 

We can complain about unrighteousness and injustice, but murmuring isn't that is it. It is to grumble, express discontent, you could say it's the selfish whining 'that's it not going my way.' And that would be sin, in that it questions God's goodness or gracious actions to us (that's He holding back something) and to others (that they don't deserve that). Like children looking at their dinner plate disapprovingly, ignoring the fact he is getting it for nothing, and then when the sibling's plate comes, that he's got more of the pie than me. (Which would be coveting, the 10th commandment).

2.  In what circumstances are we tempted to murmur?

The role God has given us, the content of the sermon, the joke the usher made during the notices, the standard of the singing, and it can really get petty, our parking space, the biscuits on offer with the coffee, the colour of the carpet, the warmth of the greeting. (Guess what, the worship meeting is not about you, so get over yourself)

Outside the church, the job we have, our spouse, the government, the local school, park, supermarket, (and Britain's favorite) the weather and our sports team or the rotten officiating. 

3.  Does murmuring reveal any other sins that might be present in our lives?

It may lead to things like

-  discouragement then think God doesn't love me

-  distraction then I don't need to go and serve my brother/sister today

-  fear then leading not to wisdom, but to anger at Him and His judgment.

-  self-pity leading to a lack of worship or prayer to God. 

-  self-hatred leading to a sense that morality isn't important.

-  or the overwhelming feeling that who you are doesn’t matter. And so do others so I won't witness of Him or attend His church cos I don't add anything. 

4.  What effect, if any, does murmuring have on those around us?

They will see that the God you follow can't be anyone worth knowing, cos you're running Him down to them. Like why would I shop at a store that I run down its products, its staff and so on, if you do that about your church, why would anyone go in.

Also it may cause the results that happened in you, happen to them, that they will pity themselves, or become discouraged in your presence, then following on to the other results. 

5.  How can we prevent murmuring?

Take what God has given you and be glad. As the song goes 'count your many blessings, count them one by one, and it will amaze what The Lord has done. 

One exercise you could do is after a prayer of confession. Do a prayer where you don't ask for anything, just focusing on who He is and has done and how He has blest you. 

In Him you live and move and have your being, from him you get every breath you have. For you the Son of God who loved me, gave Himself for me. In Him we have a hope that is steadfast and sure, held up in Heaven for us, where rust can't destroy or thieves steal. And that's just for starters.