CONtent Won't Make One ConTENT

Sunday, January 29, 2012 Posted by Joline

I am conTENT. I have all I need. Sure, I have desires and wants. I explore goals and dreams. I still struggle with the temptation of wanting more, mainly in the area of money - "If we just had _____ more money a month." But, truly, I'm good with it all.

In the past, when feeling less than conTENT, I would fill my head with CONtent: if I just read THIS verse. If I just read THAT book. If I journal. If I memorize scripture. If I . . . If I . . . If I . . . (So that's the spiritual way I went about it - clogging my brain, although not necessarily my heart/actions, with biblical CONtent.)

Or, I would fall into the trap of, "If I just had THIS item. If I just had THAT product. My life would be easier. I would be conTENT."

Never works. Over-spiritualizing and gathering more material items just won't do it. The answer isn't more. But rather, less.

I honestly believe that being conTENT comes with giving up CONtent. Letting THIS go. Giving THAT away. Refusing to be a part of chaos. Making choices that simplify the noise that clamors for our attention. A commitment to making what we can less complicated. It's saying, "I'd love to have/do/own THAT, but I will make what I actually have/do/own work."

Next week we will be welcoming a family of refugees from Pakistan to our local community. They will be coming with all their belongings. One backpack each. The mother and 5-year old son of the family were murdered a year and a half ago because of their faith. They do not speak English. More refugees are on their way. We have been helping to prepare a home for them, plan a welcome party, and surround them with love.

You know that cliche, "Don't compare yourself to others?"

Sorry, this time I am. 'Cause I can always use a lesson in being conTENT.

I pray that God will help us minister to this family by being His hands and feet. For they need to be reminded of the sweet peace of Jesus - and right now, WE are their peace-giving family. Thus, we will give of our CONtent. Turning around and giving away the exact provisions which He has gifted us - the one's we thought we couldn't live without. Time, money, worldly possessions. Truths we've learned about our all-sufficient Lord. Community.

Give yourself away. Stop hoarding. Perhaps, in doing so, you will stumble upon that conTENT place for which you've been searching.

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength. - Philippians 4:12-13 (NIV)