"REAL Contentment"

 

1st.Timothy 6:1-8 " Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, that the name of GOD and HIS doctrine be not blasphemed. And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort. If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the WORDs of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; he is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strife's of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmising's, perverse disputing's of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. 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."

     Many today fall short of the LORD's will concerning the area of contentment. They find themselves in company with those described in verse five -- "supposing that gain is godliness" -- rather than joining the faithful few who recognize the truth of verse six (pictured above) "But godliness with contentment is great gain." This "great gain" is a value that GOD, not man, places upon SPIRIT-wrought godliness. The false charismatic teaching that health, wealth, and prosperity are always GOD's will for the believer has crept into even some fundamental churches. Many fail to distinguish the earthly, temporal blessings promised to Israel under the Law from the spiritual blessings the LORD provides to all who are IN CHRIST JESUS in this present dispensation.

     No person without CHRIST can ever find true satisfaction, and no Christian who is more interested in his own comfort than in perfect submission to the will of GOD can experience the genuine contentment the LORD provides for all who walk by faith, not by sight. Believers must realize that favorable circumstances alone do not yield happiness and that every child of GOD can experience sincere joy even amid the most difficult conditions and in the deepest trials. Authentic satisfaction in life depends upon simple faith in the many great and precious promises of GOD. We will know heartfelt gladness when our complete confidence is in the truth of Romans 8:28 (pictured above) --that GOD will work out HIS purpose in us for our good. It is a mistake to follow the way of the world, which seeks gratification in all the wrong places. May we remember that contentment is guaranteed to the believer who yields to the HOLY SPIRIT rather than the flesh. MHR

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

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