“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have
learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 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.” (NIV)
Reflection
I was born and brought up in a small village in Kenya, in conditions that to the world standards would be considered below the poverty line. We did not have much, but did not live in despair. I particularly don't remember ever feeling like if we had much, my life would be better than what it was at the time. I trusted God for a bright future, but in the meantime I was so satisfied with what we had. I have seen the Lord lift me from one level of glory to another, both spiritually and physically, and I give him praise.
Contentment is a discipline that not many Christians want to embrace, because they don't want to be uncomfortable. For us to have the character of Christ, we need to learn to be content. We are living in times when people want to have more, more, more, and nothing seems to be enough. People don't know how to behave when in lack. This may explain why people are in
so much debt, and they are being engulfed by greed. They don't know what it is to be in need and still be satisfied and thankful to God.
Being content means we can still be happy when we don't have meat in the fridge, or we don't have fuel in the car and have to walk or catch the bus, or we only have one pair of shoes and our neighbor or friend has more. It also means refusing to use your credit card to buy stuff when you don't have a plan of how to pay the debt.
Being content means you can be willing to give what you have to someone else in need. It means having the joy of the Lord regardless of the prevailing circumstances. It means being able to celebrate God in the face of adversity. It also means being able to remember your maker even when you have plenty.
Contentment is a state of the heart.
- Carol Khamasi, Lahash Volunteer
For Kids
Do you think it has been easy or hard to be happy eating mostly rice and
beans? Lots of people–even grown-ups–may have found it kind of
hard. We miss all the yummy food and snacks! But maybe you have
discovered that spending time with your family, playing with your friends,
and helping the poor and needy are what really makes you happy–not
food. The Bible tells us to be content no matter what we have or don't
have. We could have lots of fun toys and delicious food, or we could have
nothing to play with and eat only rice and beans, but we can always be
happy. God tells us that when we love Him, we can always be content!
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