Tuesday
Aug262008
Contentment - by Sandy Erickson
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
As I see summer slowly fading,
I do look forward to fall with all the color and really a time of
getting back into routines and schedules, and especially for you
families with school age children. However, I can then let myself look
down the road to winter with the snow, cold, and icy winds off the
lake. When I allow myself to think and even put energy into what is or
isn't to come, I realize I certainly am not allowing myself to Abide in
the Vine for the moment, to focus, or be content and really enjoy my
circumstances as they are right at this time and place. There I can go
again, doing rather than being.
CONTENTMENT.....that brought me to Philippians 4:11, "Not that I speak
from want; for I have learned to be CONTENT in whatever circumstances I
am in". I think our world, in general, promotes dissatisfaction with
our lives. We are constantly bombarded with newer and better things
that will make our lives complete......if only we would obtain them!
If we listen to the world, we will always be comparing our
lives/lifestyles and possessions with those of others. If our contentment comes from possessions, activities, as well as other people, they can always be removed or taken away. However, if our contentment comes from a relationship with Christ, there is nothing that can alter it or take it away! I would say that's confidence and contentment! 
Contentment is really freeing and enables us to enjoy everything God gives us. Contentment
in the life of a believer really says, I know I am loved and that
God has only my best interest at heart. If you think about it,
discontent stems from ingratitude, which is sin and also a lack of
faith that God loves you enough to provide for all your needs. Bottom
line, it seems that a heart of gratitude and contentment can
leave no room for envy. As I thought back to last week, it spoke
volumes to me that if I am truly Abiding in the Vine and bearing much
fruit, I would be content. I believe God has truly placed
each person involved in CenterPoint Church in this place, at this time,
for His purpose. So, let's pray that each of us will Abide, Bear
Fruit, and like Paul, 'learn to be content in whatever
circumstances I am in". I don't know about each of you, but for me
that is a very high calling and a very high standard. With the power
of the Holy Spirit we will keep on keeping on!
When
you look at the life of Paul, he had enjoyed power and status, but had
also been imprisoned in chains in the depths of a jail cell. If you
remember, Paul had also stood before a king and almost stoned to death
by an angry mob. It's clear that while he had enjoyed some real
pleasures in life, he was willing to give all that up and willing to
risk his life for the sake of Christ. And yet, while even in the worst
of circumstances, he had the Joy of the Lord. His contentment certainly did not depend on his environment........it was due to his solid relationship with Christ. What an example: Contentment (and joy) regardless of circumstances. WOW!
Contentment is really freeing and enables us to enjoy everything God gives us. Contentment
in the life of a believer really says, I know I am loved and that
God has only my best interest at heart. If you think about it,
discontent stems from ingratitude, which is sin and also a lack of
faith that God loves you enough to provide for all your needs. Bottom
line, it seems that a heart of gratitude and contentment can
leave no room for envy. As I thought back to last week, it spoke
volumes to me that if I am truly Abiding in the Vine and bearing much
fruit, I would be content. I believe God has truly placed
each person involved in CenterPoint Church in this place, at this time,
for His purpose. So, let's pray that each of us will Abide, Bear
Fruit, and like Paul, 'learn to be content in whatever
circumstances I am in". I don't know about each of you, but for me
that is a very high calling and a very high standard. With the power
of the Holy Spirit we will keep on keeping on!
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