Contentment

As I urged you when I was going to Macedonia, remain at Ephesus so that you may charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine, nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculations rather than the stewardship from God that is by faith. The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. Certain persons, by swerving from these, have wandered away into vain discussion, desiring to be teachers of the law, without understanding either what they are saying or the things about which they make confident assertions. Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully, understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine, in accordance with the gospel of the glory of the blessed God with which I have been entrusted. (1 Timothy 1:3-11 ESV). There is an old story that has circulated for years about a butcher shooing a dog from his shop, and he sees $10.00 and a note in his mouth, reading: "10 lamb chops, please." Amazed, he takes the money, puts a bag of chops in the dog's mouth, and quickly closes the shop. He follows the dog and watches him wait for a green light, look both ways, and trot across the road to a bus stop. The dog checks the timetable and sits on the bench. When a bus arrives, he walks around to the front and looks at the number, then boards the bus. The butcher follows, dumbstruck. As the bus travels out into the suburbs, the dog takes in the scenery. After awhile he stands on his back paws to push the "stop" button, then the butcher follows him off. The dog runs up to a house and drops his bag on the stoop. He goes back down the path, takes a big run, and throws himself -Wham! - against the door. He does this again and again. No answer. So he jumps on a wall, walks around the garden, beats his head against a window, jumps off, and waits at the front door. A big guy opens it and starts cursing and pummeling the dog. The butcher runs up screams at the guy: "What the hell are you doing? This dog's a genius!" The owner responds, "Genius, my eye! It's the second time this week he's forgotten his key!" Some people are never satisfied! There are many things in life that seem to call us to attention. Some of the satisfy and others leave us empty and unfulfilled. The key to contentment is in choosing those things that will bring us a sense of satisfaction and completion. I have often found that my choices involve small differences between good, better, and best. Contentment follows when I realize the importance of following the Holy Spirit in the choice. Let me make a few suggestions for your contentment today. First, pray daily. Though it seems unthinkable, we often leave God out of our decisions. There is no way to choose the best way of life without His input! Second, seek counsel from wise people you know. Let others help you see the truth of Scripture and life as you make your choices. And, last, act on your choice. Faith is acting on the knowledge God has given you. Even when you don’t know everything, act on what you do know. Then He will give you the next steps to take in your life. This will bring a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction. That’s real contentment!