If there is anything that should follow along throughout the
life of the Christian, it is the presence of a contentment and peace. Our world today is filled with lifestyles which do not reflect that
contentment, and sadly, much of that way of living has become the norm for the
people of God.
On the one hand, while we should manifest the fruit of a
contented people, with lives reflecting a peace with God, peace with our
families, peace with others around us, and peace in the workplace. This lifestyle is also associated with
gladness, happiness, satisfaction, and other desirable traits.
For the Christian there flows the contentment of having
enough, doing enough, and being enough, and it's is not because we are stronger
or better than anyone else. It's because we walk with God and we find
contentment in what he supplies, not only in material possessions, but also in
the spiritual gifts he uses to empower us to do his work.
The opposite of all this is that we stand the chance of
becoming satisfied with past success, thinking we have arrived at a level
higher than most of the folks around us, and we cease pursuing godliness. So I
ask, where would you turn if you were seeking peace and contentment in your
life?
Isaiah tells us that genuine peace flows from the life that
completely trusts God. "You
will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts
in you." Isaiah 26:3
The world would have you to believe that contentment and
peace comes from "things." The
more we have, the more we accumulate, the more of our stuff we depend on for
happiness.....it's a never ending downward spiral. In the New Testament Paul shows us another
picture.
"...for I have learned to be
content whatever the circumstances. I
know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.
I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed
or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through
him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:11-13
The Hebrew writer echoed the same sentiment. "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.'” Hebrews 13:5
The Bible is
filled with admonitions warning us about putting our trust into material things.
If we are going to experience the life of peace and contentment, and enjoy the
blessings of an eternal life, it will not be because we have amassed
properties, financial wealth, success in our business and social status. It
only comes with the peace and contentment of a life that is totally and
completely trusting God.
That is why Jesus
says following him begins with denouncing self. "any
of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple.” Luke
14:33
When we experience the peace of God in our lives, we will
know that we are willing to give up everything for him. He is all that counts. He is all that
matters.
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