Thoughts for another day

May 20, 2009.

Today's verse: Philip 4:11,12. for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: everywhere and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

Think my friend about what Paul says, ‘I have learned in whatsoever state I am, to be content in it…’ Think then about your own rules for contentment (essentially being in a state of happiness). Are you content with what has happened and will you be content with what will happen. As you read this now, give it a good thought for surely it will make the difference between a life of drudgery and a life lived to the full.

It’s only Christianity that gives a person, reason to rejoice even when the chips are down. It’s only in the fallen state that a human being learns about the power of ‘being human’. It’s only in pressing situations that you really learn about your inner strength, no? Life doesn’t always dole out the best. Just yesterday we learnt about a ten year old girl who was diagnosed with ‘breast cancer’! Surely this girl would have the question: WHY? But as I said earlier, life’s great moments are not in the fun of ordinary human victory, but in overcoming the odds sent our way.

Recently, in a chain email, I read about a girl who died from cancer five days after her wedding to her childhood love and friend. Now this guy who married her had this to say about her: that she was full of life and even in overhanging death lived a bold and brave life. And that my friend is the contentment Paul speaks of. That’s the overwhelming statement of a Christian’s life particularly in situations when there’s no other option but to despair and yet, there is the contagion of joy. A Christian is therefore one who learns to be content even when the ship is sinking…(does this ring a bell?) And yes, asking yourself, ‘Are you a Christian?’ at this point may not be out of place.