By Briana Bass, Christian Romance Author, Devotional Writer & Certified Professional Coach

The internet is a fabulous place for generating blog topic ideas. Social media provides loads of content for me to respond to via this blog. Some of it’s ridiculous, and I won’t give it the time of day, but then I’ll come across a conversation that I simply can’t help myself from weighing in on. Like today’s topic. So, let’s just get it out of the way, shall we?

If you haven’t heard recently, out in cyberspace there’s this concept that if you are a Christian, then you must grin and bear it when your job sucks. Or if your boss is a micromanager. Or if your coworkers steal your lunch. Whatever the issue, if you follow Jesus, then you’re not allowed to complain.

That is one of the dumbest things I’ve ever heard. Listen, you can be a Christian and still complain about your job. If you find yourself in a toxic work environment, you are allowed to report it to HR. You’re allowed to quit! The idea that it’s un-Christian to complain about your job is both ludicrous and toxic. It creates unrealistic and even unbiblical expectations about Christianity and perpetuates Christian stereotypes. Today we’ll explore what the Bible says about complaining and better ways to address workplace issues than simply internalizing them until they become an ulcer.

The Complaints Department

I am not telling you to quit your job. That’s a personal decision. I am saying that it’s okay to vent about it. Our Biblical forefathers did. Numbers 11:10-15 is nothing but Moses complaining about the Israelites and his leadership position. He questions why God put him in this position and begs God to remove him from it. I bet you’re reading this and nodding your head and thinking, “Been there.” If you’ve ever worked in customer service, then you know how Moses felt when the Israelites wouldn’t stop complaining about every little thing. If you’ve been a supervisor, then you understand Moses’ frustration at bearing the burden of responsibility. Middle management isn’t exactly a walk in the park.

David begins Psalm 22 with this familiar lament: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from helping me, and from the words of my groaning?” (Psalm 22:1 WEB). Christ echoes this verse on the cross. Many people, even non-Christians and non-Jews, quote it constantly. Listen, David went through some stuff. Saul wanted him dead. His baby died. He fought multiple battles against the Philistines. He made some questionable decisions regarding Uriah and Bathsheba. I imagine he was pretty exhausted all the time. He had a lot going on, and as we read in Psalm 22, he complained about it.

If Moses and David could complain, why not us? I’m telling you once and for all that you have every right to voice your displeasure. That’s how you change the culture at your office. That’s how you improve workflows and make the job better for yourself and your coworkers. You must speak up. Yes, being negative all the time or rude to your boss isn’t the way, but simply pasting on a smile and pretending everything is fine doesn’t fly either. Identify the problem. Name it. And search for a solution. It’s much healthier than burying your feelings.

Little Complaints Can Uncover Big issues

I don’t want it to sound like I’m being totally harsh on the people who post that Christians can’t complain about their jobs. I understand where they are coming from. Or at least, where I think some of them are coming from. There’s a fine line between constructive complaints and negativity for negativity’s sake. If you’re just being nasty about your job, and you refuse to try to brainstorm ideas to fix the issue, then yeah, stop complaining. You’re only adding to the toxicity at that point.

But if the issue is valid, and you have thoughts on how to address it productively, then by all means, voice your complaints. Being a Christian does not mean being a doormat. In fact, we’re supposed to speak up when something isn’t right. We’re called to seek justice, not just for others, but for ourselves as well. That includes justice in the workplace. And this can apply to anything that frustrates you and becomes a complaint because something that may seem small to a coworker may be big to you and vice versa. It’s important to acknowledge that what sounds like a complaint may be a valid cry for help. Someone may think you’re just complaining about your manager giving you more work, but if that additional work requires you to work overtime with no compensation and it leads to cancelling plans with family and friends, then it’s a valid issue that needs to be addressed.

Road Work Ahead

David and Moses didn’t shy away from their feelings. Neither should you. Being a Christian doesn’t mean life is sunshine and rainbows all the time. You will encounter trials and tribulations and it’s okay to be frustrated when they occur.

My friend, complain away. You are not less of a Christian if you do. There’s nothing wrong with venting because you had a bad day, or identifying real problems at work that create negative repercussions at home. Don’t wallow in it though. Take the time to explore your feelings then focus your mind on how to move forward in a healthy and productive way. Complaining should always lead to solutions. Yes, it may take time and effort to see the results, but it’s worth it in the end.