Have you ever heard the statement, “The good old days?” Of course, most people that you ask would prefer not to go back to “The good old days.” In fact, we have more social programs today, then ever before. We have more comfort, conveniences, amenities and wealth today, than ever before. We have more choices today, than ever before. We have more freedoms today, than ever before. Based on these facts alone, one could conclude that as a society we should be at the height of prosperity and happiness. Yet, we seem to live in a paradox—a statement, which is self contradictory and false, though it may seem true. We are living in an impatient society that is constantly in hurry and demands to be satisfied right now. And whatever it is—it is not enough! No matter how much people have or acquire the desired result falls short. It doesn’t seem to make them happy. Why?
As a true Christian, a firstfruit, called out of this world are you happy or satisfied in whatever state you are in? You can be by learning to be content. Are you content, are you satisfied, at peace with yourself, ready to make do with, and do you have as much as you could wish for? How can you be content? There is a lot to be said for a person that is content. The Apostle Paul explains in 1 Timothy 6:6-16 that to be content is great gain. What does it mean to be C-O-N-T-E-N-T? (Acronym)
C: Concentrate on the right goal.
The Proverbs tells us, “Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; But happy is he who keeps the law (Proverbs 29:18). Or we could say that without vision the people perish. We see this everyday around us. One of the many tactics that Satan likes to use against people is getting them to loose their focus or purpose for being. As the last hold outs, it is imperative that we keep our mission and purpose at the foremost of our heart and mind. Our heart is our intent or motivation—as people we tend to follow our heart. Thus, we are admonished to circumcise our heart. From our mind stems our thoughts and attitudes. We must guard our mind as what goes in generally will come out! What is the right goal? We are told in Matthew 6:33, “But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you…” Too many people get caught up in the pursuit of “Keeping up with the Jones’” that they loose sight of the big picture. We simply cannot! Mr. Randy Gregory, a late Living Church of God minister once stated, “The process we are going through is rewarding in itself and it all has a purpose. The reward is at the end.” He reiterated what Mr. Armstrong and other WWCG ministers would say many years ago, “In the end we win”—if we concentrate on the right goal.
O: Overcome covetousness.
The troubles plaguing most families today is not the result of low income, but the problem of overextending. Of course, this problem could be greatly avoided by following one simple little rule, “You shall not covet…” (Exodus 20:17). Be satisfied with what you have. The frenzied effort to compete with others and get ahead is the source for not only most financial problems, but the real cause of much physical and mental illness, broken homes and frustrated lives. Worst of all, this pursuit leaves no time for God—whose living laws and ways, if kept, would bring real inner peace, joy and happiness. Why is there so much contention in our world? As James 4:1-2 tells us, from lust and coveting. As difficult as it may sound we have to be brutally honest with ourselves and be willing to see your own covetousness—repent—pray to God in faith, cry out and ask for His will in your life. Not the other way around! Notice Luke 12:15, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.” True happiness does not come from materialism, but as Christ taught, from giving and serving. Covetousness is idolatry—anything we put before God (Colossians 3:5). So how are we to live, “Let your conduct be without covetousness, and be content with such things as you have”, and how is this possible? “For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you’” (Hebrews 13:5).
N: Need something—ask God?
The Apostle John wrote in John 16:23-24, “…Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you [the answer].” Notice we will not necessarily receive every single thing that we ask for. In Matthew 6:9-13 Christ was teaching to “pray in this manner.” He did not say to just thoughtlessly use these same words over and over in vain, meaningless repetition. What we find in these verses and others is that there are three absolutes regarding prayer: reconciliation with God, reconciliation with neighbor, and seeking God’s will.
In our prayers we need to focus on what is best for us—only God knows this for sure. James says, “You ask and do not receive because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your own pleasures” (James 4:3). In Matthew 7:7 we are told to ask and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you—God’s will be done! When we ask for God’s will to be done we will get the right answers (1 John 5:14-15).
T: Thankfulness!
When should we be thankful? We are told in Philippians 4:4, “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” And in verse 6, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” Simply put, always be thankful to God—in good times and bad times, through thick and thin!Thankfulness is a slap in Satan’s face. When people are thankful it gives them a renewed spirit and a real sense of direction. Think about it, when we are thankful we can be free from anxiety and worry. And God makes it clear that as His children we have no need of worry (Matthew 6).
Even through tests, trials and bumping heads with this world we can and should be thankful. Why? We have been given a whole new perspective and lot on life. We have been shown the light and taught God’s truth in a world of utter darkness—and the truth shall make you free (John 8:32). God’s truth gives us a sense of being, purpose, courage and it gives us hope, which is something no one else in this world has in such a real sense! Be thankful for the truth of God—it sets us free from the pain, sorrow and sufferings of this world—free from false doctrines and free from the darkness.
Notice the continued instruction in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Most Bibles subtitle these verses with “instruction for holy living.” God is holy and His very way of life is a life of thankfulness. Truthfully, when we are thankful, then what else really matters? Be thankful for what you do have, be thankful for your very life and all the potential that it implies. Being thankful is one of the most powerful indicators of a right relationship with God. Are you thankful?
E: Enjoy the journey.
Many years ago I can remember a question that would be asked at the Feast of Tabernacles. The minister would ask, “Are you enduring or enjoying?” Think about this question in terms of your life—because either way, it’s your choice. We can enjoy this incredible ride or we can grin and bear it. Wise king Solomon wrote, “There is nothing better for a man than that he should eat and drink, and that his soul should enjoy good in his labor. This also, I saw, was from the hand of God” (Ecclesiastes 2:24). The smallest particles we as human beings are presently aware of are quarks within the nuclei of atoms. Compared to the vastness of the universe, we are infinitely smaller than quarks! Yet, imagine that we are at the very center of God’s plan and purpose—an incredible process or journey of what we become. Enjoy the journey—there is so much in life to appreciate!
N: Never quench God’s spirit.
This is reiterated by Paul in 1 Thessalonians 5:19, “Do not quench the Spirit.” In other words, don’t refuse it. “As many as are led by the spirit of God, these are the sons of God” (Romans 8:14). Notice, not just have, but actively led. Also read Ephesians 4:30, “Grieve not the Holy Spirit of God.” The Greek word rendered “grieve” is lupeo, (loo-peh'-o ) from Strong’s 3077; to distress; reflexively or passively, to be sad:--cause grief, grieve, be in heaviness, (be) sorrow(-ful), be (make) sorry.
Very clearly, we need the help of God’s spirit to fight the spiritual battles that we face today (self, Satan and society). However, the Holy Spirit will not just do it for us—we have our part! We are reminded of our responsibilities in 2 Timothy 1:6-9. For those who have ever gone camping you understand the concept of a mesmerizing fire at night. However, if you ignore a fire for too long (no matter how blazing) it will eventually go out. Many times I’ve gotten up the next morning and the fire seemed to have completely gone out, but amazingly enough, if you stir up the ashes it will re-ignite. King David was a man after God’s own heart, but even he made a statement that all of us need to take real notice of in Psalm 51:11, “Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.” Indeed, the Holy Spirit can be lost if neglected for too long. This happens through the decision of neglect. God offers His Spirit for a purpose—it is the means by which we come to share in God’s power—we share in the way of His thoughts, feelings and character—perfect righteous character. The Holy Spirit is the down payment to everlasting life. We have to stir up the gift—that is our part. The tools at our disposal are prayer, Bible study, meditation and fasting—as we seek to live God’s way of life (in all areas).
T: Think positive—build a positive mental attitude
Notice this helpful essay written by Charles Swindoll entitled “Attitude”, “The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts, It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think, say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company…a church…a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past…we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude…I am convinced that life is 10 percent what happens to me and 90 percent how I react to it. And so it is with you…we are in charge of our Attitudes!”
The mind has a profound effect on the body—good and bad! Ulcers, headaches and a host of other ailments are often found to be caused by the mind. Few people today have a sense of contentment and a genuine peace of mind but, there is a cure as found in Philippians 4:8, which gives us a one scripture definition of Tomorrow’s World. Think positive, meditate on this picture and obey the laws of God as they are the key to a positive outlook and attitude (Proverbs 3:1-2, Psalm 119:165). God’s law is summarized as the law of love—outgoing concern! Perfect love casts out fear, worry, anxiety, depression and negative emotions.
The goal in life for so many today is material acquisition, to be recognized by great status and the enjoyment of the five senses—the passing pleasures of sin as the Bible notes it. What a paradox—the more that people acquire—the more that they want and the less satisfied they become with what they have. And whatever it is, when they get it, it is never enough—and people are unhappy. It is a sad state of affairs that people’s bank accounts might be full, but their lives are empty and it leads to discontent (Isaiah 55:1-2).
Life has a purpose—the dark cloud that was covering our eyes has been lifted—and we now understand our incredible human potential. Many aspects of the Apostle Paul’s life are recorded in 2 Corinthians 11:23-33. Read this testimony, earnestly study it to understand it—for it is in this context that he wrote Philippians 4:9-13, which is summarized by being content in whatever state you are in. Are you content, are you satisfied, at peace with yourself, ready to make do with, and do you have as much as you could wish for? You can by concentrating on the kingdom, overcoming covetousness, asking God when you are in need, being thankful, enjoying the journey, never quenching the Holy Spirit and thinking positively. Are You Content?
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