CONTENT LIVING

Enjoy your own life without comparing it with that of another. -Condorcet

Philippians 4:11, Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

It’s Monday…again. Many of us will get up, get ready, and go to work. But I have some questions for you. What are we working for? Is it to provide for our kids? Is it to make a house payment? Is it to keep up with our neighbors, friends, or fellow family members? Friend, God gives us work so that we might honor and glorify Him with it.

Whether giving a testimony of Jesus’ work in our life with our co-workers or using the wages we get from working, we can use the job to honor our Lord and Saviour!

JUST A LITTLE MORE

Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith.

Proverbs 15:16

            Our society drives us not to be content with the things as we have. It rams down our throats the thought of, “You’ve got to have just a little more”. What happens is we get in debt up to our ears and we begin to be unthankful for what we do have. We find ourselves in bondage to the things of this world.

            While I am all for the creative spirit which drives innovation, I am not for getting into so much debt one cannot breathe just to be able to say, “I’ve got a little more.” Saving, investing, and being content with what God has provided goes beyond the bank account, it starts with being content with the way He has provided salvation for us!

            Will you be content with what God has provided you or will you continue to strive for just a little more?

UNSATISFIED

When lust dictates, wrath may answer.  Let grace dictate, and mercy will answer.—Unknown

Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. Hebrews 13:5

The Children of Israel had just seen God part the Red Sea, defeating Pharaoh’s army and then three days later He supplied them with water in the desert. Instead of trusting God and taking their next need to Him in prayer they did what every “good” church member does; they murmured and complained against those in leadership. Instead of God letting them die of starvation He provided them with Manna- bread from Heaven.

Two years later, they were murmuring and complaining about the provisions God had given. They didn’t appreciate the gift anymore. God gave them the meat they so desired but not without a cost. He sent a plague killing the healthy and strong that had their lust fulfilled.

When you and I murmur and complain because we are not satisfied with the spouse He has given, the house He has given, the church He has given, the job He has given, the vehicle He has given, etc., your lust of something new may be given but know this—wrath is at the door with it. God has blessed you and I with many things and with those things we need to be content. Be reminded what Paul told Timothy; “But godliness with contentment is great gain.” 1 Timothy 6:6

Contented or A Compromiser?

You say, "If I had a little more, I should be very satisfied."  You make a mistake.  If you are not content with what you have, you would not be satisfied if it were doubled. -Spurgeon

Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. Philippians 4:11

What is it you want out of life? What goals have you set for yourself? It’s nothing wrong with having ambition or having set life goals for yourself in order to better your life. However, when that ambition turns into the only thing you live for—compromise stands at the door!

What are you willing to sacrifice in order to get that promotion? What will you change in your walk with the Lord in order to make a few more bucks? Missing a Sunday service? Allowing your children to go to an inappropriate movie? What you listen to on the radio? Your stance on the abstinence of alcohol and other drugs?

Child of God, be content with what God has given and you will not compromise His Word, His Work, or His Way! 2 Thessalonians 2:15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.