Translate this site into your preferred language, look for our Google translator in our home page: diningwithjesus.net
Traduce este sitio en tu idioma preferido, busca nuestro traductor de Google en nuestra página de inicio ve a: diningwithjesus.net
Pastor Chris White says to all of you: HELLO MY FRIENDS. May the Lord bless you today.
HOLA MIS AMIGOS. Que el Señor los bendiga.
One
dictionary defines contentment as “the state of being mentally or
emotionally satisfied with things as they are.” Today it is rare that we find
anyone who is truly content with his or her condition in life. The Bible has a
great deal to say about contentment—being satisfied with what we have, who we
are, and where we’re going. Jesus said, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry
about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will
wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than
clothes?” (Matthew 6:25).
In essence, Jesus is telling us to be content with what we have. Moreover, He
has given us a direct command not to worry about the things of this world. Then
He adds, “For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father
knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and
all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:32-33). From Jesus’ words, we can
deduce that lack of contentment is sin and it puts us in the same category as
those who do not know God.
The apostle Paul was a man who suffered and went without the comforts of life
more than most people could ever imagine (2 Corinthians 11:23-28). Yet he knew the
secret of contentment: “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 4:12-13). The writer to the
Hebrews adds, “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such
things as you have. For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor
forsake you.’ So we may boldly say: ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What
can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:5-6). Yet
people continue to seek after more of the things of this world, never contented
with their lot in life. The bumper sticker that reads “He with the most toys
wins!” epitomizes the world’s cravings for more and more.
The latest global statistic shows that if one has a roof over his head and a
meal on his table he is richer than 93 percent of the world’s population. If a
person wears a pair of shoes he is richer than 75 percent of the people in the
world. In the United States alone, credit card debt averages more than $16,000
per household, and we are still discontented. Solomon, the wisest and richest
man who ever lived, said, “Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever
loves wealth is never satisfied with his income. This too is meaningless” (Ecclesiastes 5:10).
“Be content with such things as you have” means as believers such should be our
trust and confidence in God that we should be satisfied with our condition
regardless of our circumstances. For we know assuredly that if we are faithful
God will cause all things to work together for our good (Romans 8:28).
To worry means we do not trust God. The key to overcoming our discontentment
and lack of faith is to find out who God really is and how He has been faithful
to supply the needs of His people in the past. Such study will grow one’s
confidence and trust for the future. The apostle Peter said it succinctly:
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up
in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:6-7).
Thank you to Got Questions Ministries
© Copyright 2002-2019 Got Questions Ministries. All rights reserved.
You must be logged in to post a comment.