Content

With all the marching, protesting and even rioting going on, one thing seems certain: There are a good number of discontent and disgruntled people in this country, which I find interesting considering we are the envy of the world and people are daily risking their lives to get here.

I suspect that what we complain about would cause a very puzzled reaction to much of the globe.  For instance, do you suppose women in Islamic states understand American women complaining about women's rights in a country where women are doctors, lawyers, CEOs, Senators and such?  Do you suppose that third world poor understand our unskilled workers complaining about making more money than their doctors?  Do you suppose a world that largely has no opportunity for education understands our complaints about not having free college?

Even when things are difficult as sometime difficulties will befall us, is complaining the answer?  Is registering our discontent the solution to raising our quality of life?  Is there not a better way to address life than to wallow in self-pity and rail against the challenges it deposits in our laps?  Let me share the biblical alternative of a winning outlook over a whining attitude:

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!  Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.  Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Phil 4:4-7).

Don't rail; rejoice!  Don't be grumpy; be gentle.  Don't be anxious; be asking God in prayer for His peace.  While you pray for answers and work to overcome adversity, learn to be content with what God allows for now, looking to Christ for the blessings he has in store rather than focus on the unpleasant or difficult passages you endure for a season.

Listen to how the apostle Paul faced all of life:: "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  I can do all this through him who gives me strength" (vv. 12-13).  Regardless of what stared him down, he kept his eyes on Jesus, who is the source of joy and strength.  He challenges us to do the same.  Jus' Say'n.