Contentment doesn't come easy to most of us, especially at this time of year.
For some, contentment is as foreign to us as living under water or raising livestock in the backyard of our suburb homes.
Let's face the truth about contentment. We are afraid that if we open the door of contentment, two very un-welcomed guests will barge their way in: The loss of status and slothfulness. If you believe like "the world" does, then“getting to the top” is worth any sacrifice.
The world believes, contentment is something to be enjoyed between birth and preschool . . . retirement and the "old folks home . . . or among those who have no ambition or drive.
You only have to listen for a moment to any Christmas party conversation to hear a young person who is gifted with their hands being counseled not to “settle” for a trade school.
Competent, contented, and fulfilled teachers are frowned upon if they refuse to pursue the position of principal or administrator.
The owner of a Mom and Pop store on the corner who is happy and content is pressured to expand until she opens more stores in order to "get rich"—leaving contentment behind.
People serving as assistants or in any kind of support position often wrestle with feelings of discontentment. The pressure to continue "pushing forward" until they reach the title of boss or owner can be unrelenting.
Interestingly, as we live in the world of "got to be better than the Jones'" we have become a people who are more discontented. We have not only bought the lie, we have swallowed it hook, line and sinker. And we are left dangling from the line that has ensnared us.
Look at what the apostle Paul said:
1Timothy 6:8,“But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that." (NIV)
Hebrews 13:5, "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” (NIV)
Philippians 4:11, "I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances." (NIV)
Contentment is a learning process (believe me, I'm still learning) . . . and it can be uncomfortable to march to the beat of a "different" drummer.
However, I am confident when we do so, we will walk freely and contently.
What are your thoughts?
1 Comments:
Thank you so much for this devotion. It is so hard sometimes to keep our heart in line with contentment. Especially with the principles and attitudes that the world have to offer.
Can I share my blessing of contentment that the Lord has given me?
Our family of 7 recently lost our large comfortable home and we have moved to a 980 sq. ft. 2 bedroom trailer. When my husband first told me that this was the home he knew God had for us, I was furious (only for a few moments).
God spoke to me so clearly and this was what He said.
Melody, your attitude about this whole move will set the tone. Your attitude can either “make it” or “break it.” If you choose to be uncontent and unhappy then the whole family’s attitude will follow yours. If you choose to be content and happy, again the whole family’s attitude will follow yours. Most of the time you set the tone in the family. Choose to be content because I am with you no matter what, because you and your family are still together, because you won’t be able to take your stuff (we sold ½ of our belongings) with you to Heaven, and because you can take your children to Heaven with you if you choose contentment. I am not going to make you be content, you have to choose to be content…no matter what!
I chose to be content and you know what…my family is content also! It has been an adjustment living in closer quarters, but it has been rewarding to see our family work together to make this work!
Thank you for letting me share with you!
The Mills Family
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