MAY 21, 2019
Contentment without Complacency
As a Christian can we be content without being complacent?
We have allowed our society to take away our ability to be content. How you may ask? The enemy of our souls, the Devil (who is real, not just a figure of speech) wants to steal kill and destroy Gods creation, any way he can. We were created by God in His image for His glory. Technology and a sense of entitlement have fed our pride in such a way that we want what we want and we want it now. I first noticed this with looking at my own parents and grand parents. They had nice cars, house, big people toys, went traveling. Those things they had because they worked hard and held steady. Why can’t I have all that now? We can have it ALL now… we just need to take things out of Gods hands and go into debt…
Look at Jesus’ words;
John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.
Jesus came to bring life…if we can grab ahold of that, contentment is sure to follow. We must be diligent and intentional in our walk with the Lord. Can we set ourselves in front of his word ready to mediate and listen? If we can, then we will make wise decisions based on the abundant life that Jesus has given us.
1 Peter 5:8-9
Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world.
The reality that we need to slow down, resist the thoughts of the devil and listen for the voice of the Lord. We see what others have and desire those things… allowing pride to dictate our actions… contriving and even trying to control our destiny.
Remember the story of Samson? You can read his story in Judges 13-16. He was called by God with purpose. But yet he chose to go against Gods will for his life and please his flesh. He said, I want that woman… I want what I want and I want it now! Instead of saying, God what do you have for me? Help me desire that, and please give that to me.
The same goes for you and I, can we pray; "Lord what do you have for me? Help me desire that”. If it means staying in my marriage and working on it… help me. If it means staying at my job and pressing in. Help me. Staying in school? Help me. If it means staying at the church you have brought me too. Help me. I believe in stepping out in faith even when it doesn't make sense. I personally have done this my whole life and have some great testimonies of Gods provision. But there are times I made it happen because I wanted to, even though I was walking as a Spirit filled believer. Its difficult at times to “feel” content when we feel that life is to routine and mundane. But we can’t just make decisions to change based on a feeling. Our society has shifted from starter home mentality, to starter marriage, starter job, starter church, as soon as one gets difficult, uncomfortable or boring, we jump into something else, thinking it will be better or easier, instead of seeking God and growing through the hard times as much as the easy times.
1 Corinthians 6:12 (NKJV) All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.
God created us with free will, and ALLthings are permissible, but are all things beneficial?
Philippians 4:11-12 Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.
Live life and joyfully exist where God has you, not complacently but living with your faith in action. Daily exuding love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. So what then is the bottom line?
Matthew 6:33
33 But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
34 “So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Seek God first in EVERYTHING and everything else that you need will be provided. God knows what we need, can we be content in that? He is the fulfillment of everything we need.
Praying for you all !
Pastor Scott