the horns of ames

Contentment

Today the kids that went to Panama to minister to the people spoke a little bit about their experiences and Jeff Dodge gave the "Lessons from Panama." It was really neat to see how God used them to reach the people in Panama who desperately needed it. Most importantly, it was great to see the emphasis put on teaching and raising up men to lead their churches once the Americans had left.

One "Lesson from Panama" that struck me today was one of "contentment." It makes sense to me that the people of Panama, specifically in that village where the people were dirt poor and the conditions were less than sanitary, would have feelings of discontent. They have nothing, they are often ill, and they don't seem to have much to look forward to. However, it doesn't make sense to me why we often feel discontent. We have so much, and yet we often feel like we don't have enough. Jeff Dodge put it this way, "A lot of people feel like they don't have enough stuff, so they feel discontent. However, there are plenty of wealthy people that seem to have everything that will tell you that having 'stuff' doesn't make them feel content either." The only thing that will give you the contentment you are looking for is Christ.

We read Philippians 4:11-13:

11Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 12I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Verse 12 reminds me of a book (I have not read) by Judy Resnick titled I've been Rich, I've been Poor, Rich is Better. What a contrast between Resnick and the apostle Paul. I think we should be saying "I've been Rich, I've been Poor, In all Things Christ is Best."

Are you content with what Christ has given you? Is He content with what you've given Him?

posted by Aaron @ www.HornIT.net @ 10:03 PM