Discontent

" I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances." Philippians 4:11

As in my previous blog, I am reading "The Art of Divine Contentment" by Thomas Watson. I am amazed at the relevance of the words of this Puritan from the 1660's. He outlines some common reasons for discontent and accuses those of us that find excuses why that type of discontent is not allowable. If we don't recognize that, our whining and complaining and feelings of being overwhelmed are actually sin. Jesus' life and death are to bring us a peace beyond understanding. I believe as Paul stated that means peace in the little and the big in life. We are to be content in all things.

Some quotes from "The Art of Divine Contentment"

1. " We must be content when God gives mercies and when God takes away."

2. "He may have darkened  the starlight to give you more sunlight.... Look not at a temporal loss but as a spiritual gain."

3."O to be discontented that a mercy is taken away from you but rather be thankful that it was lent to you for so long."

4." A Christian has a title to the promised land. How can he be discontent with the taking away of any earthly possession if that title remains?"

5. "Outward comforts do quench inward heat." Am I numbed into complacency by my comfortable lifestyle while the lost suffer?

Watson's first area of discontent to challenge is abundance of material blessings and our jealousy of those who have more. Our lamentations control our thoughts and actions when some blessing is taken away like a spoiled child. He also includes in this the discontent in abundance and discontent in lack of abundance not only material possessions but in all blessings. Who are we that we can dictate to the Father that we deserve more just because we are? That is why discontent is sin.... "I don't really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don't do it. Instead I do what I hate." Romans 7:15 (NLT)