Based on “Content with Who God Made Me” by Pastor Mark Balmer; 4/28-29/12,
Message #6095; Daily Devotional #3 - “Our Best Testimony”
Preparing the Soil (Introduction): Modern retailers thrive on the discontent of society. They know the importance of making people discontented with what they have, so they will buy their “new and improved” product. Many of us were perfectly content with our “messaging” cell phones. They gave us a wonderful way of reaching the people on our contact list without the interruption of an actual phone call. I was thrilled with mine! But then a friend came to visit who had a “smart” phone. While we sat at a restaurant for lunch, he was actually able to look up restaurants in the area and call the one we decided on to make reservations for dinner, without even having to get up from the table. Later, while we discussed interesting things to do and places to go, he was able to get a list of local places of interest (ones we didn’t even know about!) from his “smart” phone! Yes, the seed of discontent was sown, and I didn’t think my phone was that special anymore. Each time I had to use my computer for information, I was reminded of how easy it was for Ric to do it from his phone. In comparison, his “smart” phone was much more desirable than my plain old “messaging” phone.
Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): Christ followers are just as susceptible to becoming discontented in their walk with God. If we take our eyes off God and start comparing ourselves to others, we can sometimes end up in a futile discontent that can cause us to be insecure and ineffective in our usefulness for God. The trust we had in God now is undermined by doubt; the praise we had for Him is now marred by a critical and ungrateful attitude. Our very relationship with God is damaged by the fact that we have chosen to be discontent, not only in who we are, but also in what He is doing in our lives. Comparison to others can also lead us into a false sense of pride that is equally damaging to our relationship with God, (James 4:6) and thereby causes us to be ineffective in our relationships with others.
Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): Christ followers need to recognize that contentment is crucial in our walk with God and our relationship with others. If we are walking in the shadow of discontent, it is difficult for us to demonstrate the all-sufficiency we have in Christ to an unbeliever. Our contentment reflects not only our confidence in who God has made us but our trust in what He is working through all the circumstances in our lives (Romans 8:28). Recognize that contentment is a learned choice. Even Paul realized this: “…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. (Philippians 4:11-12) We have peace with God (Romans 5:1); we are free from condemnation (Romans 8:1); we were created with meaning and purpose (Ephesians 1:11). Our contentment is our expression of gratitude to God for all He has done for us. It may also be our best testimony of the greatness of our God to the world around us.
Cultivating (Additional Reading): Psalm 131; I Timothy 6:6-8; Hebrews 13:5
klw
Calvary Chapel of Melbourne; 2955 Minton Road; W. Melbourne, FL 32904; 321-952-9673
All Bible references are from the New International Version (NIV) unless otherwise noted.