Christian Living

Godliness With Contentment Is Great Gain

by Cheryl Zelenka
12/01/12
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"WHEN OUR HANDS ARE PRIED OPEN, THEY ARE NOW READY TO RECEIVE NEW BLESSINGS" Dora Aranda

I sometimes think I have learned enough lessons for a time. Do you ever wish you could have a temporary “break” in your instruction from God? Pruning hurts. My journey to recovery has been one of sorrow, loss, and fear. Through it all my Savior has provided. The thing is that what He has provided is not always what I asked for or wanted.

We need to remember that God gives good gifts. We should be content with what He gives us, and consciously hold them with a gentle grip, not a desperate cling. He gives and He takes away. I am learning this right now.

My memory was greatly affected by a brain tumor for more than five years prior to it’s removal, I am only now noticing missing items that were of sentimental value. Some were sold at a garage sale before moving out of Oregon to Arizona ….. and then to Colorado. Xmas music I would play and that was a tradition with my son and me. Crystal vases, crochet yarn, linens and such. We moved a lot of stuff ourselves but I think the moving van my dad hired “lost” some of my things as well. My dad tells me he did not sell my stained glass windows and my grandmothers silver, but they are no where to be found. They might be silly or insignificant things to some, but they were memories to me.

Are you like me, struggling with the need to be content in all circumstances? Are you aware of taking steps backwards in your financial situation? Do stressful situations seem to be your daily bread? Well, you are in good company. I can only say that the things we hold dear down here are not worth comparing to the wealth we will hold in heaven. The wisdom we gain from submitting to His will, trusting in His faithfulness, and obeying is beyond earthly value.

I pray we can all remember to keep a tight grasp on our relationship with Christ but a loose grip on the “things of the world.” May we all keep our eyes looking up towards the heavens, our real home and remember that “Where our treasure is, there our heart will be also.”    Luke 12:34                                                                              

“But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.” Matthew 6:20 "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. I can do all this through him who gives me strength."   Phillipians 4:11-13                                                                                                

"But godliness with contentment is great gain."                                                     1 Timothy 6:6