Wednesday, December 02, 2009
Excerpts from a Letter
John MacArthur wrote:
You don't hear much about contentment these days. In fact, it's practivally a foreign concept in our society.
People today are perpetually in search of the next luxury or new extravagance. They cultivate insatiable appetites for self indulgence and spare no expense to pamper themselves. Then once they acquire whatever they were craving, they immediately begin coveting something more. Life has become a desperate and never ending quest for the immediate statisfaction of every whim and the insant fufilment of every fantasy.
Everyday, we enjoy comforts and conveniences of our grandparents never even dreamed of. But the thousands of amenities that make life easier for us in the high tech age have not brought us more contentment. Indeed, there are probably more discontented people today than ever.
Ironically, the very technology that provides so much conveniece is a major catalyst in making people discontented. Television, radio, magazines, newspapers, the Internet, and even the highways we travel are festooned with advertising. No matter where you look, you are assaulted with images and slogans designed to provoke you to covet what you do not have. They tout the next device you need to purchase, that vacation you should give yourself, or some newer, bigger, better thing you need.
In a culture where most people are relentlessly chasing for the next fleeting pleasure, the concept of contentment barely registers. People cling to the faint promise that they can eventually accumulate enough possessions that they'll achieve perpetual happiness. For them, contentment is always a future goal - something that costs a great deal of money - and they will spend the rest of their lives trying to find it.
But true contentment has nothing to do with the things you own. You can't buy it - in fact, the kind of wild, unchecked spending that defines our society only further insulates your heart from ever knowing true satisfactio. There's always a faster car, a bigger boat, or a more luxurious house. Or on the other hand, there's always the possibility of a global financial collaspe that could take it all away overnight. Seaching for lasting happiness in the things you own only guarantees you'll never truely find it.
Neither is contentment found in your circumstances or relationships. You can't rely on your situtation, events surrounding you, or other people to ever bring you real, lasting satisfaction. While family and friends are sources of happiness and blessing, they can also let you down. And if your contentment is tied to anything as flexible or fleeting as your career, your health, politics, entertainment, or even your favorite sports team, disappointment and frustration are inevitable.
True, lasting contentment comes only from knowing and trusting the Lord. It's an unyielding confidence in God's providence and provision. It's the freedom from worry you and I enjoy because we know the Lord is at work in all our trials and joys. It's not a question of poverty or prosperity, or any external circumstance. True contentment endures in spite of our circumstances; it does not rise and fall with every turn of providence.
The only real statisfaction we can hope to have this side of eternity is found in a right relationship with GOd. Contentment means relyinh on His promises, trusting in His provision, casting your cares on Him, and having a vision to see and rejoice in the blessings He pours out in your life. When you're walking faithfully and biblically with the Lord, you can't help but be content, no matter what immediate circumstances you're dealing with. Real, lasting contentment isn't the product of your earthly situation - it's the freedom from worrying about day-to-day issues because you're resting in the supreme peace and confidence of God's care.
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I'd like to remember this letter he wrote... Thought it would be nice to post it on the blog as a keepsake... haahaa. It kinda sums up what God has been teaching me and reminding me... I am reminded to pursue a Godly life with faith, love, perseverance and gentleness.. And not place my trust in this world, but in God who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. Guess the keyword here is need...
"True religion with contentment is great wealth. After all, we didn't bring anything with us when we came into the world, and we certainly cannot carry anything with us when we die. So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content." 1 Timothy 6: 6-8
it was recorded.
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5:13 PM
