"Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" - Philippians 4:11-13
"Contentment is natural wealth; luxury is artificial poverty" - Socrates (Greek philosopher)
"We may pass violets looking for roses..." - Anonymous
When you have limited resources, you quickly learn the difference between a want and a need. My wife and I took a step of faith four (4) years ago to pursue our Masters studies at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Chicago, IL.; we had it all planned out - from the academics to the finances - how we were going to pull it off. Some of you have heard the idiom, "Man makes plan, God wipes out plan"; as a couple we experienced this first hand. Although we were guaranteed jobs, we found that neither of us could work (on or off-campus). Also, as expected, we had more expenses than we bargained for. Quickly, we began to learn that personal food preferences don't matter when you NEED to eat - that it’s nice to wear "name brand" clothing, but really all you NEED for clothing doesn't have to cost and arm or a leg - that it’s nice to live in a big, beautiful house, but really all you NEED is a roof over your head to protect you from the elements. It was in the midst of these important lessons that we learned the blessing of contentment - the ability to be satisfied and happy with what you have.
In our selfish, consumer-driven society, it’s easy to forget where we are coming from. Many of us, growing up, not only survived but found our greatest happiness in the midst of limited resources - crackers and water WITH LOVE was worth so much more than lobster and shrimp WITHOUT LOVE....wasn't it? We have bought into the philosophy that MORE IS ALWAYS BETTER - and yet we find that the more we attain, the less we find satisfaction. We say, "Let's have more fun!"....and the more we have, the less we enjoy. We say, "Let's get more money"....and the more we get, the more problems we have. We say, "Let's have more friends".....and the more we have, the more lonely we feel. We say, "Let's gain more knowledge".....and like Solomon we say, "The greater my wisdom, the greater my grief; to increase knowledge only increases sorrow" (Ecclesiastes 1:18 - NLT). When all is said and done, MORE means nothing if we cannot appreciate and be satisfied with the blessing of LESS.
When was the last time you said, "Thank you LORD for your blessings on me right now"? For your imperfect spouse, for your miserable parents, for your limited finances, for your 'adequate' house, for your "not so new" clothes.....for ALL your blessings? Life may not be what you want it to be right now, but the truth is everywhere you look God's blessings and mercies can be found. Instead of looking for the roses....stop and smell the violets :)
“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. “ (1Th 5:18 KJV)
Great is your mercy towards me,
Your loving kindness towards me;
Your tender mercies I see,
Day After day.
Forever faithful towards me,
Always providing for me;
Great is your mercy towards me,
Great is your grace
- Donnie McClurkin [GREAT IS YOUR MERCY]
Pastor Andrew Smith
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