Daily Challenge: Learning to Be Content Part 4

2 Corinthians 12:10 - For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weakness, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

So far on our journey to contentment, we have discovered several things. First, contentment is learned. Contentment is a commitment of the mind. It is demonstrated through actions and it requires preparation. I was tempted to not write on the topic today in fear that it was getting monotonous, but then I realized, no one has to read this and I am still learning. :)

This particular verse I write on stuck out to me today during my personal Bible study. It struck me, not because Paul states that he is content in such wretched situations. No, what caught my attention was the verb Paul uses in order to state his contentment. He does not declare that he is simply self-sufficient. Rather, he uses the verb that indicates that he is well-pleased that these circumstances are happening. This is the same verb that God uses to refer to Jesus at his baptism when he says, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased." (Matt. 3:17)

The reason why I find this so remarkable is because Paul takes contentment to the next level. It is not simply enduring or acting in light of circumstances, but rather it is taking DELIGHT in those circumstances. The reason for this is for the sake of Christ. Never once in Paul's discussion of calamity or contentment does his focus waver from Jesus. That is the reason why Paul has the hope that he has. It is the reason why he has the attitude he has. He realizes that it is through his own weakness that God's power is able to shine through and therefore he triumphs under pressure.

The challenge now is to turn our attitudes and our actions from merely treading water to triumphing where God has placed us. We do this by realizing that God's grace is sufficient and His power is perfect (2 Cor. 12:9). The reason why we do this is for the sake of Christ.

For more information on this passage, please see my post "The Gift of the Thorn and the Gift of Grace."

Daily Challenge - June 27 - Learning to Be Content Part Two

Ephesians 4:22-24 - You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

It would be so great to have a boat, or a bigger house, or a better car, or a higher paying job, or a more luxurious vacation, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, ...... Why can't my life be more like so and so's?

The quest for contentment can seem laborious, but the first step starts with the mind and the heart.

Since we have been raised with Christ, we are changed. We are a new creation and therefore our thoughts should be transformed as well. Colossians 3:2 says, "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." I have written on this passage before in my post, "A Matter of Affection and Perspective". This passage also applies to contentment. When we set our minds on the plan of God rather than the things of earth, we begin to see things differently. So how do we do this?

I believe that the first step is to realize that contentment is a learning process and make the decision to begin the process. When we realize this, we are able to recognize each step of our progress. However, as this Ephesians passage states, there is an element of commitment involved. As believers, we are taught to put off our old selves. The Greek word gives the image of laying aside and ridding oneself of something (BDAG). Paul recognizes that the old way in which we used to live is being corrupted by the earthy desires that we have. These desires eat away at us and consume our thoughts, attitudes, and lives. That is why Paul reminds the Ephesians not just to stop thinking about those things, but to throw them aside and make them no longer a part of their lives. We are then to replace our old selves with our newly created selves, redeemed by Christ. The Greek for "to put on" literally has the meaning to put on clothes. Therefore, like putting on a brand new outfit, we are to clothe ourselves with the newness of life that God has created for us, displaying righteousness and holiness. This is a change of attitude and heart. No longer is our affection on what the world has to offer, but rather on displaying the characteristics of God.

The picture I get in my mind is one of an event that occurred while working as a counselor at a Christian camp. It had rained and several of the counselors released some pent up energy through a huge mud fight. By the time it was over, I was covered from head to toe in mud and everything I touched left evidence of my escapade. However, once I got rid of the filthy clothes and put on a new outfit, it was as if I had never been tainted by the mud and was able to continue ministering to students. In the same way, when we have our minds set on the old way of life, which is clouded by earthly desires, discontentment will often stay festered within us. That discontentment leaves a trail of bitterness that affects everyone we encounter. We as believers must make the decision to take off that old way of life, with its accompanying desires and clothe ourselves with our new Christ-centered approach to life.

The Challenge today is to ask yourself if you have taken off your old self, meaning you have let go of the desires of the world and have instead taken on an attitude that is focused on Christ.
The first step to contentment is a change of attitude and heart. As a believer, Christ has already done a work in you to make you a new creation. Now it is time to make the commitment to make the change of heart needed to be a disciple, useful for displaying his righteousness and holiness. In doing this, you will find the first step to contentment.