So many things war against our contentment. Why do we so easily focus on what we do not have instead of focussing on what we do have? Certainly our own natures notice and, sometimes, keep account of perceived deficiencies in our lives. Perhaps, greater than that is the culture in which we live, and the comparisons we make with those who have what we wish we had. The sins of envy and covetousness surely play a role here.
Paul's remarkable statement of contentment while in terrible prison conditions (and unjustly incarcerated, too) is both an inspiration and a challenge: "...for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances." (Philippians 4:11).
I was compelled to ponder again the idea of contentment while in South Africa last year where I met a man from Malawi. Malawi is the 4th poorest nation in the world. The man was asked: "What is it like to live in poverty?" His reply: "We didnt know we were poor until the UN came in and told us we were impoverished."
Who has the enviable life: the one with the simple, peaceful life with little or the hectic, stressful life with much?
No comments:
Post a Comment