Good Morning Everyone,
Our theme for this month: “Peace”
Our Bible verse for today: “I don’t say this out of need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know both how to have a little, and I know how to have a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content – whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:11-13
Our thought for today: “Contentment is the key to peace.”
Most of us are not really at peace because we haven’t learned how to be content. Truth be told, no matter how much money most people have, they would really like to have a little more. As good as the current position at work might be, the next rung up the ladder would be even better. Although I might be grateful for the home I have, a new one with a pool and Jacuzzi would sure be nice. And on it goes.
That thinking applies to almost every other area of life too. The kids are doing ok in school, but wouldn’t it be nice if they were on the honor role. The middle aged woman knows she’s actually healthy and in reasonably good shape for her age, but she’d love to be aging better, maybe like Cheryl Ladd (she’s 60 but looks 40). I have a nice lawn but it’s still not golf course quality …
The dictionary says that to be content is to be satisfied and happy with things as they are. Unfortunately that doesn’t describe most of us. Truthfully, we’re not really content and therefore we’re not really at peace. There’s nothing wrong with improvement and advancement, unless it creates a never-ending cycle of restlessness and discontentment. Our constant desire for more and better robs us of our peace.
In her book “The Contented Soul” Lisa McMinn writes, “Too easily we live unexamined and disconnected lives, distracting ourselves in our quest for greater ease, comfort, or the acquisition of better stuff.”
In Philippians 4:11-13 Paul described a better way. He wrote of how he “learned” to be content by focusing on Christ instead of on stuff. Over time he trained himself to find real peace and contentment in his relationship with the Lord and not from the things of the world. Now please note, in that passage Paul admitted that he did have times of affluence, fullness, and great provisions – and he obviously felt free to enjoy them, but his sense of peace and contentment didn’t hang on those things.
McMinn goes on, “We are surrounded by simple pleasures and the possibility of sipping and savoring our very earthy, very physical life. Contentment awaits us, inviting us to savor each moment, and in doing so to honor the God who gave us life.”
Rather than constantly striving for more and better, we would benefit from learning to be content with where we are and with what we have. There is peace in contentment.
God Bless,
Pastor Jim
Oak Hill Baptist Church 