“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.” Paul of Tarsus
A Christian should be of the mind that his thinking and opinions will run contrary to those of society in general. Moreover, he needs grace to accept this with joy. His successful life will not necessarily look like success to his neighbors. This should come as no surprise since we are using a different yardstick.
There is no inherent wrong in recognition, fame or riches. It is not a sin to be physically attractive or talented. These things can be a stumbling block, but they are not wrong or undesirable in and of themselves. The real harm in the world’s vision of success lies in the fact that attainment is the end of greatness--the supreme measure of personal worth and success. No matter what you tell yourself, the desire to be wealthy or famous is simply to satisfy the self; there is no other purpose. But we need not be as high-minded as that. It is not money, but the love of money that is the root of all evil. It is as easy to be a poor sinner as a rich one.
Insistence on your right to respectful treatment, kindness and fairness can bedevil as easily as uncontrolled avarice. Whenever the object is self-satisfaction and defense of image, (as God told Cain) sin lieth at the door.” If Christ suffered outrage upon His person with silence and forgiveness, can Christians do less? If you curse a cashier or waitress, have you elevated your worth; have you put them in their place (below you)? I think not and what have we done to our soul in the bargain?
It is the soul of a man that endures. Whether we are rich or poor, it is what we do with what we have that matters. Godliness and the grace to accept God’s plan for our life with contentment and trust we not only give us peace within, but will last an eternity. A godly man builds other men. By lifting them up, he is lifted. A line in one of my favorite songs says, “Heaven waits and the angels are applauding the man who lives his life by faith.” What have we greater than the angels; yet they applaud with joy over one sinner who comes to God.
Are you thankful for what God has given or are you worrying over that one tree He has said “no” to? The scripture says He has given us all things that pertain to life and godliness--can you be content with that?
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