Content is King.
The word of the day (brought to you by the letter “C”) is content. And no, I’m not talking about all those words on your church website or blog. Not the noun, the adjective. The “state of peaceful happiness”.
With the economy being what it is, our affluent nation is in a bit of a worry as our elected officials try and sort out this dilemma. I thought I would step out of the usual, and offer some words of encouragement. Yesterday I came across this passage from Paul’s letter to the Philippians. It both humbled and challenged me in my attitude towards this whole financial mess. Here’s what he had to say:
“I don’t have a sense of needing anything personally. I’ve learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I’m just as happy with little as with much, much as with little. I’ve found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am.” (The Message) Phillipians 4:11-13
This passage hit me straight in the face. It’s easy to get caught up in all of these worldly happenings and forget that it’s the maker that we are called to trust, and not the market.
So, everyone feeling happy today?
Inspired by Levite Chronicles
Filed under other, scripture |4 Responses to “Content is King.”
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Kyle, this is great. This morning I was listening to a Piper sermon about finding Joy in God, and the economy came to my mind. No matter what happens we know we have everlasting life through Christ. If anything, our economic woes might wake us up for our need and total dependency on Christ.
Paul’s take on this is nothing short of amazing. The fact that he’s content regardless of his predicament. That his security, his joy, his sense of LIFE isn’t limited or hampered in any way by his circumstances. It’s really amazing. It’s like there’s no leverage over Paul. Take away everything and throw him in prison? He’s happy. Kill him? He considers it an upgrade.
Trust the Maker, not the market.
If that doesn’t scream t-shirt design…
I always struggle with that in the fact that all we do should be to praise God. With that in mind, how do you balance your life and the comforts of technology with the idea that none of that matters. It’s always a better choice to spread the Word then to sit down and watch the latest TV drama. (which would have no substance were it written using Christian values) If you believe in God, then how do you decide where to draw the line between living for your wants and living for God’s?
TR -
You’re not alone in that struggle and asking those questions. That’s why this passage from Paul is so important to keep in perspective at all times. Personally, I ask myself the question, “If God took this from me today would I still praise him and be content in the joy that only he can bring to my life?” If I can’t answer “Yes!” without doubt or hesitation I know I need to check myself. Sometimes this is a gutting question to ask… what if God takes my wife, my family? What if God takes all by which the world measures as success? Is He still good then? Will I still praise him?
Side Note: I checked out the illustration work on your blog… you have some real talent! I really liked the PVC Block Print. Good work!