He was following a duty, and this duty impelled him to make his greatest effort.”
–James Oliver Curwood (River’s End)
“Now godliness with contentment is great gain.”
–1 Timothy 6:6 (NKJV)
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Murmuring, whining, complaining, bad attitude, negative, these traits have no place in the life of a Christian. Oh, there may be bad times, but we need to take inventory of ourselves when we are in that condition. A couple of questions to ask: Why am I in the place I am? What is the duty of the circumstances God has put me into? A child of God is never in a place just by happenstance. He is either paying the consequences of poor decisions and is facing chastisement, or God is allowing the circumstance to come into the life.
It seems that whenever we find ourselves in poor circumstances we tend to become bitter or angry. We blame others, we blame God. Job had no idea what was happening in the spiritual realm, but he would not blame God. He would continue to worship Him despite the circumstances. In the midst of trials, storms or the like do not think thoughts that further disturb you. If you do you will become even more discontent.
What would you have done if you were placed in the lower part of the dungeon for being a Christian? Would there be despondency? Maybe anger at the way you were being treated at the hands of men, and where was God anyway? Or would you praise Him like Paul and Silas and to the duty that was required of the circumstance? In the midst of turmoil what is your response? The great preacher of days gone by, Jeremiah Burroughs said, “You should labor to bring your heart to quiet and contentment by setting your soul to work in the duties of your present condition.”
I read last week of David. We remember him as the giant-slayer, or the man who committed adultery. Which was the real David? He was called a “bloody man” and yet he was a man “after God’s own heart.” Acts 13:36 points out a very important fact regarding David, “For David, after he had served God’s purpose in his own generation, fell asleep, and was buried among his fathers and underwent decay.” (NASB) The HCSB translates it thus, “For David, after serving his own generation in God’s plan…” The KJV and NKJV, translate it this way, “For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God…”. And I will give you one more version, then get to my point. From the RSV, “For David, after he had served the counsel of God in his own generation…”.
Did you pick up on the life of David? In spite of his failures and sin, he served God throughout his life. He served God’s purpose–His will. He listened to God’s counsel and fulfilled his duties of life in the will of God. It should serve as a reminder to serve God in whatever circumstances we find ourselves–the good, the bad, and even the ugly. God knows where you are; He will not forget about you. However, He is waiting for you to serve Him in that situation in life. Do not be like the children of Israel upon escaping slavery and begin to complain and lose your way–a lost generation. Learn the lesson of Paul, “Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content.”. (Philippians 4:11, NKJV)