Why are we Christians not content with where we are in life? In our relationships? In our walk with God? If you really think about that question for a while,it says an awful lot about us doesn’t it?
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The Apostle Paul said he had learned to be content in whatever state he found himself to be in (Philip. 4:11). Do you know anyone like this? Are you like this? I must admit that I have not yet arrived at this place in my life.
Paul learned to be content,meaning it was not an instantaneous event, but rather a process he went through. A refining process. Being beaten, shipwrecked, starved, abandoned, stoned and left for dead will definitely refine a person to the point that things no longer matter.
Perhaps that explains our mindset today when it seems that we expect instant gratification in almost every situation. We just don’t want to endure the process required to get from point A to point B. The process can indeed become uncomfortable,and we try to avoid uncomfortable, don’t we?
You’ve no doubt heard the expression that a person has to pay their dues. Older people understand that to mean you have to put in the time and effort to get the promotion,or the job,or the honors.
So it is with serving the Lord. Growing in the knowledge and grace of our Lord is a lifetime commitment.To be really honest, it’s also hard work. It requires discipline and much sacrifice on our part.The rewards however,are incomparable to anything we could ever hope to gain from this world.
That’s why we must be very careful when searching for contentment in places we have no business being in. Let me share a personal example with you.
Many years ago there was a time when I actually was content in just about every way possible.While I didn’t make a lot of money,I made enough to get by and I was OK with that.My spiritual life was soaring and I felt like I had it all.It was liberating to be in such a state!
At about this same time I started hearing about a new job,one that paid more than I thought I would ever earn. The more I thought about that job and what the extra income could afford me,the more I began to want it.Soon,it was all I could think about.
I began to look away from my life of contentment,searching elsewhere for what I did not know, somehow convinced that this new job would be a blessing from Him and that I would continue merrily on my way.After all,what difference could it make where I worked?
So I applied for the job and got it. Much to my great surprise I soon began to h
ate everything about it. The job itself,the people,the red tape,the long hours,the stress. You name it,and I came to loath every part of it. This was shocking to me as I had never hated a job before.
To say I was no longer content would be a huge understatement.Every part of my life suffered,especially the spiritual part of me.I was left with little time for prayer and study,and in short order realized I was in trouble.The grass was definitely NOT greener on the other side!
I spent four and a half years at that job,and when I was laid off I was probably the only person there who shouted for joy at the news! Those were the worst four and a half years of my life,and I say that with no exaggeration.I had suffered terribly for my mistakes,and prayed that God would forgive me and help me find the job He wanted me to have.
Which He did, on both accounts!
So I’m wondering,where are you with this whole contentment thing? Only you can answer that,but if you’re like me those closest to you probably have a pretty good idea.
Careers,titles,authority,money,all these are fleeting things that will disappear and may cost you more than you bargained for.
So what is it exactly,that we’re searching for? It’s taken a long time, but I now know the answer to that question.We’re searching for the very things that God is offering to us. All we have to do is accept them. It really is that simple!
I’ve learned (the hard way) that contentment can only come from a life grounded in Christ.I’m hoping you realize that as well.
Be blessed!
Ron
A Front Row View of The Church 
The search for bigger, and the insatiable hunger for more tell us a great deal about Western society. But this lesson is personal for me. Your story is my story, Ron.
I had what used to be called ambition. I longed to rise — ostensibly so that I could do more good in the world. Hard work was no obstacle. In fact, it served to distract me from larger issues. The truth is I wanted the titles and promotions as “proof” that I had value. For me, this was a direct result of abuse. Child molestation had left me feeling worthless.
It took a 25 year legal career (and 10 years of disability) to teach me that, in God’s eyes, I do have value. He sees me — He sees all of us — as priceless, w/ or w/o worldly symbols of success.
Thank you for sharing your life experience, my friend. I can assure you that your lesson has struck home.
Blessings,
A.
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Yours is a powerful testimony Anna,a testimony to the wonders of God’s amazing love for his children. Just imagine,that through all of those years of struggling to achieve the worthiness and value you sought,there was a gentle Savior standing by your side,slowly revealing to you that your wholeness could only be found in Him. And though we wonder why the journey,or why we must endure the process, I believe it is with purpose that He takes his time in revealing Himself to us this way.That,my friend,is love.
I cannot begin to tell you how many times I heard the word “useless” growing up,and while words certainly do not compare with the physical abuse you endured,they can be powerful nonetheless. I suspect there is in each of us a wondrous and powerful story of overcoming deliverance,grace, and mercy wrought by the hands of our Savior. Fact is,for me,the story is still being written;)
Have a wonderful day my friend.
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Very true words, Ron, although I am sure I have not fully learned that lesson myself. Thanks for a great post. 🙂
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