First Baptist Church of Herndon

Where are you on the contentment scale?

Linda Soller | Jan 11, 2016

The weather in our area was really out of character for the month of December. The temperatures were above normal, and the precipitation was in the form of rain, never snow. So people complained it was too cloudy, too rainy, it didn’t feel like Christmas outside, and yes, some even complained it was too warm. I know, hard to believe, but I am not lying to you. We all know, the weather is ever changing. Last week we began the first full work week of the winter of 2016 with sunshine, blue skies, large billowy clouds, icy snow pellets on roads and decks, and fresh cold air. Ah, winter had finally arrived, and as you have probably guessed so did the complaints. Now I heard, it’s so cold, it changed too fast, it’s so windy, I wasn’t prepared for this quick turn in the weather. No one seemed content.

I ask you, where are you on the contentment scale? Maybe weather isn’t your thing, perhaps you recognize complaining about the weather rarely makes it change. But if not the weather, my guess is that you have other things which mess with your contentment. Are you down at the bottom of the scale, only happy by exception? Are you the lucky one who appears to others to have a life without care? Or do you, along with most of us, have a mixed bag of contentment? And wherever you fall on the scale, how do you decide when to openly expound on your discontent? These are questions which cross my mind as I hear people complaining about their condition, whatever it may be.

There was a wealthy young man who approached Jesus and stated how well he had lived his life. He had followed the rules. Not content with his current condition he wanted to know what he should do to have eternal life. Nothing like planning for the future, I always say. Jesus had the solution and explained it was really quite simple. Give it all away, give away the material things which allowed the young man to live as he did. These things had provided the young man with such contentment in the present, he had been able to turn his focus to his future. Jesus said to give it to those whose needs the young man did not even see. The young man left disappointed. He was not content with the answer Jesus gave him, because it wasn’t the answer he wanted to hear. How often does your contentment rely on getting what you want?

Where are you on the contentment scale? Do you struggle to find any happiness or satisfaction? Do you take what life throws at you, and strive to make it work? Or do you find fault even when others can see your blessings? Jesus was not unhappy the young man had lived a good life, indeed He was simply trying to help him find the contentment he was seeking. There is joy in thinking of others, not just yourself. Contentment can be found in serving others, as God asks. Combine the two, and you may just tip the scale.  

Have a great week!  :o)  Linda