Contentment

Devotional for Sunday, August 10, 1997 by Robin Ross

One day centuries ago, a British lord overheard one of his kitchen servants remark, "If only I had five pounds, I would be perfectly content." He began thinking about this remark, and decided that he would like to see someone who was perfectly content. So he went to the woman and said he had heard her remark and wanted to do something about it. Then he gave her a five pound note. With great feeling she thanked him. Then he left the kitchen, but paused for a moment outside the door. As soon as the woman thought he was gone, she began to complain, "Why on earth didn't I say ten pounds?"

Human nature seems to be afflicted with an insatiable desire for more -- more possessions, more wealth. Strangely enough, the more we have, the more we want, and the less satisfied we are with what we have. Of all people, Christians have the most to be content about, because Jesus meets the deepest desire of our hearts. God wants us to be content with Him, and not to set our hearts on things that so quickly pass away. The apostle Paul wrote, "I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances." (Philippians 4:11)

Prayer: Thank You, O Lord, that we can know that all our needs are met fully in Jesus Christ. Help the truth of that to sink deeply into our consciousness, that it may become completely part of us. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Robin Ross <rross@telus.net>
Mission, British Columbia, Canada

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