Blessed when Content
"Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth."
If the only gift God gave you was salvation, He would have given you eternally more than you deserve.
What's great about many of the ancient fables and stories is that even in a fictional, sometimes funny story, a moral or life principle is taught. I remember reading one that talked of two men and their different views of life. One of the men was a wealthy businessman who worked night and day to grow his company and assure its success. He was very goal-oriented and never seemed to slow down even for a minute. He was always on the go. The other man was a fisherman who set sail every morning out on the sea to catch fish for his family to eat that day. After the fisherman caught enough fish to feed his family he would return to shore, clean the fish, and settle in to relax the rest of the day.
One afternoon the businessman had business at the docks where the fisherman was relaxing. After he finished his business, he passed by the fisherman, and seeing him napping, he woke him up and asked him, "Why are you not out fishing?" The fisherman replied, "I've caught enough fish to feed my family for today, so I have no need to continue fishing." Seeking to "help" the fisherman out, the businessman then commented, "But if you were to continue fishing, you could catch more fish." "Why would I need to do that?" "Well, so you could make more money!" "Why do I need more money?" "So you can buy a bigger boat." "Why do I need a bigger boat?" "So you can relax on it." "Isn't that what I'm doing now?"
While a determined, and proactive attitude is not a bad thing, some people allow that characteristic to rule their lives. What the businessman couldn't see was that while he encouraged the fisherman to do more, make more, and buy more; the fisherman was already experiencing the joys of a content life.
Stop right now and think of how much of a grip discontentment has in our society. Discontentment drives people into debt. It breaks apart marriages. It steals joy. Discontentment is a very real enemy that threatens to ruin our lives. But while some people thrive on a need for getting and having more, God promises that as we are content with what He's given us, we will inherit those things that can never be bought.
God knew the pull that would be on His disciples to revert to their old lives, to pursue the things of the world, but He promised that as they were meek, or content, He would bless them beyond what they could imagine. The same promise is available to you as well. Rather than pursuing the goods of this world and striving for earthly gain, God desires that you would be content with what He has given you.
Everything you have has been given to you by God. He has blessed you with so much! Why would you covet more than He has already given you? God has given you more than enough for you to fulfill His purpose for your life. But He promises that as you follow Him with a content heart, He will continue blessing you.
Do you want God's blessing? Don't fall into the trap of discontentment and vain striving. Realize that God has given you more than you deserve, and be content with His blessings. The next time the devil tempts you to become discontent, remember your home in Heaven and thank God He has offered you the gift of eternal salvation.
To learn more about the ministries of Lancaster Baptist Church and Pastor Chappell, please visit lancasterbaptist.org, paulchappell.com, or follow him on twitter.
Daily Bible Reading
Joshua 19-21 | Luke 2:25-52
No comments:
Post a Comment