Numbers 16:41,46
“But on the next day all the congregation of the sons of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron, saying, “You are the ones who have caused the death of the LORD’S people.”…“ said to Aaron, “Take your censer and put in it fire from the altar, and lay incense on it; then bring it quickly to the congregation and make atonement for them, for wrath has gone forth from the LORD, the plague has begun!”
God was big into respect. Respect for Him and for His messangers. David understood this. Saul was seeking to kill David. There were two times when David could have easily taken Saul’s life. He didn’t. 1 Sam 26:11, “The LORD forbid that I should stretch out my hand against the LORD’S anointed”. Many thought that God had delivered Saul into David’s hand. David wouldn’t even think those thoughts. In verse 10, David says, “God will strike him.”
Pastor Chuck Smith would reference this passage about those that complained about church leadership. Some may say that’s self serving. Others may say “this is the New Testament”. Jesus spoke against those in leadership. There is a biblical model for church discipline. Anything outside of that is disrespectful.
I’ve always been uncomfortable around church complainers. I’ve attempted to correct some. One person I spoke to thought I did this with the wrong attitude. I had no empathy as to why they were unhappy. That may be so. The verse that comes to mind is Hebrews 12:15, “See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled”. If they have a complaint, they should go through the church discipline route. That still may seem rigid. If they have been hurt by the church, they can unburden with a trusted friend. That motive isn’t to recruit other people to be disgruntled with them. They are in pain and need support.
Lord, help us to be respectful. Help us to be wise in discerning complainers from those in need.