Contented Living

CONTENTED LIVING

"Not that I speak from want; for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am." (Philippians 4:11)

Another one of my heroes of the faith is Dr. Gil Peterson, Chancellor of Lancaster Bible College. For the past 20+ years, Gil's wife Delores has battled MS courageously and has demonstrated gratitude despite the challenges they have faced together. With the economic crisis looming over our heads, maybe contentment is an area that God is going to grow us in the days ahead. Here is Dr. Peterson's perspective on contentment from our daily devotional, "REAL VICTORY FOR REAL LIFE":

"Contentment does not come automatically with conversion. There is no magic formula for it. We are instructed to be anxious for nothing, prayerful in everything, and thankful for anything (Philippians 4:6). Paul wrote with authority, for he had experienced flogging, being forsaken and even fiercely attacked by friends. He was confined in a prison and still wrote about joy, peace and contentment.

The late Dr. Lloyd Perry once said, "Paul had learned in experience that you travel third class with Christ present...Second class with Christ prominent...First class only when you have Christ preeminent." Contented living is only possible through Christ Jesus. Even among Bible-believing Christians there are times of contention and strife. Paul was burdened for two women in the church at Philippi who were causing discord. Euodia (whose name means "sweet fragrance") and Syntyche (whose name means "affable") were not living up to their potential. They were instructed to rejoice in the Lord and live in harmony. In other words, to live contented lives!

Contentment comes not just from human resources, for Paul reminds the whole church that they can do these things only through Christ. He wrote a powerful instruction and example: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (4:13). In one of the New Testament passages I love the most he stresses joy, grace, peace, clear thinking, and fervent positive action (4:4-9). This is a great checklist for us to evaluate our lives on a daily basis. Prepare a 3x5 card with these words on them, and carry it with you as a reminder of the standard that brings honor to God and blessing to others.

I love the poem by Ester Rusthoi that has become a favorite hymn. She
wrote:

It will be worth it all when we see Jesus,

Life's trials will seem so small when we see Christ;

One glimpse of His dear face all sorrow will erase,

So bravely run the race till we see Christ.

How about it, brothers? Are you content this morning? Something to think about on this rainy Friday morning. - Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK

God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs Numbers 35-36; Mark 10:1-31

Think About This: Those alone labour effectively among men who impetuously fling themselves upward toward God. -- Charles H. Brent