Friday, "Be Content"

 Unfortunately, peace through contentment is rare. It is so human to focus on what we don’t have.  The world says to put all your time, energy and money into material possessions, physical appearance, and your intellect.  God commands that we spiritually feed and groom the inner person.  Proverbs 14:30 tells us, “A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.”  Not only will our physical health benefit from the tranquility of contentment; more importantly, the peace of mind is a mark of a Spirit-filled life.  “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”  (Philippians 4:7)
Happiness is linked with contentment, and contentment can be found anywhere geographically and economically.  Paul knew this.  He taught that it has to be learned.  “I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therein to be content.”  (Philippians 4:11)
If we take an inward examination and we’re completely honest with ourselves and with God, we will find that there are some things that cannot be changed.  Therefore, we must learn to be content in that knowledge.  We must accept and be content with our shortcomings and our abilities; the good and the bad.  Accept it and live peaceably with it.  We must change what we can, but we must live with who we are, remembering that peace within cannot be forced from without. 

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