The Vine News

Every day we are given the opportunity to grow and move forward. Every day we are empowered by God’s grace and strength. But many of us feel we are not doing enough; maybe not enough to pay the bills, or to produce enough food for our family, or enough to make ourselves happy. We want more. We believe what we have now is old and we need new. We want change.

It is important to understand the Virtue of Contentment, to find the place in our life where we are content, at peace, balanced.

Contentment means more than being complacent or just comfortable. Contentment says I understand that my current status is not my permanent position. It is built out of a personal relationship with God our Father and provider.

The Apostle Paul said, (Philippians 4:11-13) "…I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

The key statement in this passage is “I have learned.” The lessons learned, the guiding principles in life from God’s word, once learned, will empower us to endure any situation in which we may find ourselves and move through them.

The Virtue of Contentment must be learned and applied to our daily lives. Many blessing have been preordained for our lives. But, patience, discipline -- contentment -- is required before they will be manifest.

God said, (Jeremiah 29:11) "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope."

I encourage you today as I encourage myself, to hold to your faith in God. Know that all things will work together for your good. Be content but not complacent in your situation. Be content but not comfortable in your season. Be content and not complaining and complicated to those around you.