Christian Living

Transforming Complaints Into Possibilities

by Brother Carlton 
07/27/25
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Let me tell you something: there are two kinds of people in this world. The first kind walks into a room and immediately finds what’s wrong — the temperature’s off, the coffee’s cold, the Wi-Fi is slow. The second kind? They walk into the same room and ask, “How can I make this better?” Those are the producers, the changemakers, the ones who build bridges where others see walls.

Let’s stop here. Think of Thomas Edison for a moment. Over 1,000 failed experiments before he gave us the electric light bulb. When asked how it felt to fail so many times, he said, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 1,000 ways that won’t work.” That’s the mindset of a producer — someone who doesn’t complain about the darkness but figures out how to light a room.

Here’s the hard truth: if you want different results in life, you cannot — must not — keep doing the same things. As they say, insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. Imagine planting corn and being surprised when squash doesn’t grow. That’s how some folks live — making the same decisions, thinking the same thoughts, and wondering why life never changes.

But you and I? We are not meant to live stuck. We’re meant to grow, stretch, and bear fruit. And fruit doesn’t grow by accident — it grows by intention.

Your life today is the sum total of your decisions. Where you live, who you hang around with, the job you do, the money you have (or don’t have) — all of it, in some way, traces back to a decision. And that’s actually good news. Why? Because it means if you don’t like where you are, you can start making different decisions. Starting today.

Some people discover their purpose early. They’re like 12-year-olds who already know they want to be doctors, artists, or astronauts. Others, like me — maybe like you — take the scenic route. You bump around a little. You stumble. You try things that don’t work. That’s okay! God can work with that. What He won’t work with is a refusal to move.

Remember the parable of the talents? Three men were entrusted with different amounts of money. Two invested. One buried his in the ground out of fear. The Master returned and praised the risk-takers but called the fearful servant “wicked and lazy.” That’s strong language — but it reminds us: we’re not judged just for doing bad things… sometimes we’re judged for doing nothing at all.

You don’t need perfect conditions to move. You need courage. I know a man who started a junk removal business with nothing but an old pickup and a flyer he printed at the library. He knocked on doors. Hauled trash. Over time, he built a six-figure business. Why? Not because he had perfect resources — but because he refused to be a professional complainer.

So how do we start shifting gears?

First, get a vision. Proverbs 29:18 says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” Without direction, we drift. Without goals, we flounder. Set your GPS — even if it's just a small next step.

Second, adjust along the way. Pilots are off-course 90% of the time — but through constant correction, they still land safely. Your journey will involve bumps, detours, and turbulence. That doesn’t mean you're failing. It means you're flying.

Finally, remember what matters most: not your car, your clothes, or your corner office — but your character, your compassion, and your connection with your Creator. As Jesus said, “What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his soul?”

So here’s my challenge to you: Trade in your complaints for creativity. Your excuses for effort. Your fear for faith. Life doesn’t owe you anything — but God has given you everything you need to start where you are.

Be bold. Be brave. Be intentional.

And whatever you do… don’t bury your talent.

Brother Carlton ministers the gospel to various cities. Formerly a Hollywood actor, SAG member, and property cleanup expert, he now spends most of his time studying the Scriptures and helping small businesses grow more profitably using world-class tactics and strategies. He also offers inspirational speaking to help entrepreneurs and individuals achieve greater success. If you're a business owner looking to increase revenue, attract more customers, or need a dynamic speaker for your next event, contact Carlton at [email protected].  Put help in the subject line.