Glorious State

Unlike his wife, Mr. Bill is usually content with whatever fashion, event, or company he finds himself.  I have learned, however, to not push the limits of his otherwise … good nature.

Discontent plagues us all!   Why else would we be so intrigued by the latest & greatest cell phones, video games, movies, fashions, books, cars, etc.?  “For sale” on web sites are deals of one man’s trash (items of discontent) and another man’s treasure (items of content).  Good deals, yes, but nonetheless powered mostly by man’s discontent.  Spurgeon describes discontentment as a “natural propensity of man … as natural to man as thorns are to the soil.”   Paul wrote of a better crop, a garden flourishing in [what Spurgeon called] flowers of Heaven: “For I have learned, in whatever state I am, therewith to be content.” (Philippians 4:11)  Note Paul’s contentedness was learned, indicating he was a diligent student during numerous unpleasant circumstances of his life.  We don’t always choose our situations, but God never wastes an opportunity to teach us to draw on His Nature (not our own) for complete rest and peace - contentment.  In whatever manner of life we are, shall we not agree, “The Lord is my portion, saith my soul.” (Lamentations 3:24)  We do not rest merely in His grace or His love or His promise, but in God Himself for the soul’s song!  Contentment He is thus contented I’ll be.  What a glorious state!