Avoiding the Rabble Mentality

DCC Devotionals: Avoiding the Rabble Mentality
by Don Vess

A Devotional on Commitment and Contentment

Scripture Reading:
“Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.”
— Philippians 2:14-15 (NLT)

Reflection:

The rabble in the book of Exodus were a mixed group of non-Israelites who joined the Israelites as they left Egypt. At first, they seemed like welcome travelers, but they quickly became a source of constant complaining, discontentment, and division.

Instead of trusting God’s provision, they longed for their past life in Egypt. They craved comfort over commitment and self-interest over sacrifice. Their attitude infected the Israelites, causing many to lose faith and rebel against God’s plan.

Moses, overwhelmed by their negativity, cried out to God in frustration:
“I can’t carry all these people by myself! The load is far too heavy!” (Numbers 11:14).

God responded by appointing leaders to help Moses and teaching the Israelites a lesson about gratitude and dependence on Him.

Avoiding a “Rabble Mentality”

The rabble mentality is still alive today. It shows up in churches, workplaces, families, and communities. It looks like:
•Constant complaining instead of gratitude
•Selfishness instead of service
•Discontentment instead of faith
•Criticism instead of encouragement
•Passivity instead of commitment

Paul warns the church in Corinth about the dangers of grumbling and unbelief:
“And don’t grumble as some of them did, and then were destroyed by the angel of death.” (1 Corinthians 10:10, NLT).

Likewise, he exhorts believers in Galatians 6:9 (AMP):
“Let us not lose heart and grow weary and faint in acting nobly and doing right, for in due time, at the appointed season, we shall reap, IF we do not loosen and relax our courage and faint.”

Personal Reflection:

Take a moment to examine your heart:
•Do you find yourself complaining more than praising?
•Are you committed to serving, or just tagging along?
•Do you bring faith and encouragement, or negativity and doubt?
•Are you truly “all in” with God, or holding back?

Call to Action:
1.Choose Gratitude: Begin each day by thanking God for at least three things.
2.Serve with Joy: Look for ways to contribute instead of just receiving.
3.Speak Life: Be an encourager, not a complainer.
4.Stay Committed: Don’t just be a spectator in your faith—be an active participant in God’s plan.

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I don’t want to be like the rabble—complaining, ungrateful, and discontent. Help me to trust You fully, to serve joyfully, and to walk in faith. Remove any attitude in me that resists Your will. Fill my heart with gratitude and commitment, so that I may shine like a bright light in this world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Final Encouragement:

“My dear brothers and sisters, be strong, immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.”
— 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NLT)

Stay faithful. Stay grateful. And don’t get caught up with the rabble!