Contentment, Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Contentment
 
Reading:Philippians 4:11-12, 11I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12I 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.
 
Many people have the sense that “contentment” means, status quo, mundane, or mediocre. But, it’s much more powerful than that. Contentment never means the lack of pursuit of a goal. It simply means, learning how to appreciate and be thankful for what you have when you have it and where you’re at when your there.
 
Professional all-star athletes are an excellent example. Most recently Brett Favre has taken the heat for just not being able to retire and leave football behind. Football has been his life. He ate, slept, drank, dreamed, talk about, walked, lived football 24/7 for all those years and now he sees it coming to an end; this thing that have come to define him. Also, I’ve never been a huge fan of Michael Jordan but he is, without a doubt, the greatest basketball player that’s ever played the game. When inducted into the Hall of Fame, he gave a speech to which former players, Hall of Famers and reporters were saying, “He just can’t let it go”. In an article written by Adrian Wojnarowski, he wrote, “When basketball wanted to celebrate Jordan as the greatest player ever… he was petty and punitive. Jordan revealed himself to be strangely bitter. You won, Michael. You won it all. Yet, he keeps chasing something that he’ll never catch, and sometimes, well, it all seems so hollow for him.” Men, sometimes we dream about being in Michael Jordan’s shoes or being a dominant force in a professional sport; but, men, if you are able to truly enjoy contentment, you can be a wealthier and more successful man than they.
 
Men, write down some things that God is doing in your life that you are thankful for and that gives you a sense of contentment:
 
Challenge:Reread the passage and live in a sense of contentment today
 
 
 REVIEW
 
How did you enjoy contentment today?
 
 
What happened today reminded you of reminded you of what you have to be thankful for and content with?