By Dave Eden, Eden Political Cartoons
We have discontentment when the going is rough because this is natural to human nature (Romans 7:5; 8:7). It is only by the grace of God that we learn to be content (II Corinthians 12:9) when we:
- want the plenty that some around us have and must learn that God’s Word in Jesus Christ and His presence is sufficient (Matthew 4:4; Hebrews 13:5),
- are afflicted and surrounded by evil and have to learn to thank Him in all circumstances (Proverbs 15:15; Philippians 4:11-13),
- are tempted to be jealous and envious of those with much more material things than we have and must start counting our spiritual blessings in Jesus Christ (Proverbs 14:30; I Thessalonians 5:18),
- see sinners around us appear to prosper while we seem to go without but we grow in faith knowing this too will pass and our expectations of the Lord’s blessings will be fulfilled (Proverbs 23:17-18; Philippians 4:19).
So let us learn the great value of developing the grace of contentment through the power of the Holy Spirit when our faith is tested and tried (Galatians 5:22-23; I Timothy 6:6).
Rev. Joe Sturz, Chaplain
Christian Action League of North Carolina, Inc.