“I have learned the secret of being content.” Philippians 4:11-12
This is quite a liberating thing to learn, to be content in whatever situation. With contentedness, there is no place for jealousy or envy, bitterness or pride. There is only reflecting on the blessings and opportunities God has given us, and seeking to find the best ways to use them for His glory. We may not have things that other people do – finances, relationships, skills, health, etc. But it is possible to be content with what we do have, and to run with that.
Freedom comes when we realise life is not a competition. It is a race, yes; we run to win the prize (1 Cor. 9:24). But the prize is for finishing and finishing well, not finishing first or with the most toys. Don’t worry about what other people have that you don’t. That is their lot in life, and yours is different. Serve God with what He has given you.
Excellent point on freedom. We all too often think of freedom as something we get because we have life's necessities, or because we can do certain things, but freedom is more than all of this. Freedom, for a Christian, is freedom in God, freedom from sin, and knowing we have a certain future that gives us freedom from worrying about today.
ReplyDeleteExcellent post.