Godliness With ContentmentSpeaker: Sis. Stella Dhinakaran Gist: It is a difficult task to be content at heart. We should praise God for whatever He gives. We must ask the Lord to give His strength to live a holy life. He will then give us all His blessings. It is a bit difficult task to be content at heart. We would weigh each and every matter. "Oh! My husband is earning less when compared to her husband. Oh, they are so rich!" These things arise in the hearts of many of us.
"Now godliness with contentment is great gain." (1 Timothy 6:6)
The above verse speaks of a heart with contentment. We should praise God for whatever He gives and be content.
The parents of a man of God decided to settle his marriage. One person brought an alliance saying, "They are a rich and good family. You are an ordinary servant of God working as a clerk. You will be the luckiest person if you get that girl as your wife." But this servant of God said, "I do not want a girl from such a high social status. A pious girl of my status would do. I do not want the worldly luxuries." But his parents went to the rich person's house to ask for the girl's hand for him. But the girl replied, "I do not count these wordly riches as a big thing. I want my husband to be a godly man. For that, I am ready to embrace poverty and humble myself. The Lord is important for me." So according to her wish, they settled the marriage. She did not know poverty and scarcity in her father's house. But after marriage, she had to pass through a lot of difficulties. She did all the hard household chores. But she did not tire or murmur. She started praising God. The Lord honoured and blessed her humbleness and godliness. Her husband got many promotions within a shot span of time. His pay also increased. The Lord blessed them and made them happy.
Dear friend, we should have a heart of contentment. That is what apostle Paul says as follows, "Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content" (Philippians 4:11).
Colossians 3:1 says, "If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God."
We should seek things which are above and should ask, "Lord, this strength which is in me is inadequate to lead a holy life. I want more; I want Your power and gifts. Lord, make my life a useful one." We should never get satisfied with what spiritual gifts we receive; we should always seek for more.
"Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full." (John 16:24)
The Lord will surely give you if you ask Him. In the begining of my family life, when we used to go for mininistering, I would sit right at the back, out of fear. But in my heart I would pray with burden, "Lord, I am so frightened! I am unworthy to stand with Your servant. I do not seek worldly riches; but give me Your grace to work for You with Your servant." The Lord filled me graciously with His Spirit. Even today, He has given me the grace to do His work. I always plead that I should do greater works for the Lord till my last breath and save souls for Him; I should shine like a star for His glory.
My dear friend, you should not be satisfied in spiritual matters. We should pray to God, "The riches You have given in this worldly life is enough. I praise You for the grace You have given me." So saying, we should be thankful to Him and content in heart. The Lord will give you more than what you ask.
Solomon asked only for wisdom; but the Lord blessed him with riches which he did not regard as a big thing in his life. God blessed him exceedingly with worldly riches added to wisdom. Dear friend, the Lord will add material blessings to your life when you seek His divine spiritual gifts.
Prayer:
Loving Heavenly Father,
Lord, I praise You. Give me Your strength to live for You and to speread Your love. Help me to act in love, speak in love, walk in love, and pray in love. Keep my emotions under the power of Your love. I pray in Jesus' name.
Amen. |