"And when the people complained, it displeased the LORD: and the LORD heard it; and his anger was kindled; and the fire of the LORD burnt among them, and consumed them that were in the uttermost parts of the camp."

                                  -Numbers 11:1

We live in a society that has mastered the art of complaining. It doesn't seem to matter if we have been blessed with all that our heart could ever desire, we still find something to be unhappy about. But in reality, whether we are rich, poor, or anywhere in between, God has called each of us to contentment - something that does not mix with an attitude of dissatisfaction.

"But godliness with contentment is great gain."

                                 -I Timothy 6:6

When somebody expresses a complaint, it is an indication that they are not satisfied with the way things are. All the blessings they have already received simply aren't enough; they've got to have more! But what many people fail to understand is that, as Paul says here, Godliness with contentment is gain in itself. You say you want more than you've got now? Then pray for contentment, and you'll have gained more than any earthly treasure could ever impart. You see, even if you had a nicer car, a bigger home, and a larger bank account, there would still be somebody out there who has more than you. Thus, you would still be discontent, desiring to have more. But when you are learn what it means to be content, it doesn't matter how much money you may or may not have, you are thankful and satisfied with what you've got.

In another passage, Paul admonished the Thessalonians, "In every thing give thanks." (I Thessalonians 5:18). This means that no matter our circumstance, we should still maintain a thankful attitude. If we are on a mountain, or trying to climb out of a valley, we should praise God all the way.