There's something that goes around through each person. I truly believe that Satan works this power on each individual for some time or another. And when it gets someone, boy does it work.
Discontentment. Being discontent is easy. My house is too small. The yard is too small. Neighbors are packed in on top of each other with no privacy. I need to move! I see/hear this all the time. I have asked people where they're from. The list goes on past five or six places and I think, "Oh military family." Nope. Just never found the right place. There's always something wrong. Too cold. Too hot. Not a big enough house. Don't like the neighborhood. The list goes on. Never content with where they are. In my case, yes, the house is too small for my family, but at least we're always together. Our yard is tiny, but it's less maintenance. Our neighbors are only a few feet away, but they're there if I'm in trouble. I have a house. We've made it a home. It provides shelter. Despite the downfalls of my home, I am content with it. It's a terrible thing to never be content. People often associate contentment with happiness, but I tell you they are not the same. Happy is an emotion. It comes and goes like the waves on the beach. It's circumstantial. Work goes well, I am happy. Work sucks, I am sad. Contentment should not be placed within the emotional realm. Let's talk about the glass being half empty or full. To see it full is positive thinking. To see it empty is to have a negative outlook. Even that gets over analyzed. No! No! Seeing it half empty can be good because it means that we have taken a drink! Oh, brother. Contentment does not range within this positive or negative outlook mumbo jumbo either. Contentment is looking at the glass be it filled at any range or not at all and being thankful for the glass. We see it in the church all too often. "I just haven't found the right fit for me." Or my favorite, "We can't find a church that meets our needs." Ugh. That's the problem. We look for a church to fill our needs. We should be looking for a church that we can fill their needs. There will never be a perfect fit in terms of church - meaning the individual group that collectively meets on Sundays. The music is too loud. The music is too boring. The kids church isn't good enough. The pastor is old and wears blue suits from the 70's. It's too far away. I don't like the small group options. So fix it. Maybe God brought you through those doors because you see those needs that the membership doesn't. Can you help it or are you going to just sit around and complain?! Completely discontent with the options around us for worship services is exactly where Satan wants you. Useless. Whining. Philippians 4:10-12 says this: I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. Paul writes about contentment from a prison cell. We can't be happy with our 1,500+ sq ft homes. Paul is in prison for doing his job of spreading the gospel, but we aren't thankful for a job that pays the bills. Paul encourages churches from his prison cell while we grumble about the lacks within our local churches. Being content is the secret, he says. I'd like to uncover this secret to any and all that will read this. Seek contentment. The definition of contentment is satisfaction; ease of mind. Think about it, can't you see why Satan would want us to be discontent?! Why would he want us satisfied? When we're satisfied, we are joyful, thankful, loving. When we do not have ease of mind we are frustrated, agitated, unsettled. I urge you, be content. My life was changed the day I chose contentment so many years ago. Yours can be too.
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May 2023
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