Minute Musings...I Used To Cry...

I was reading something tonight, when I came across this saying that really made me
sit up and take note;  "I used to cry because I had no shoes, until I met a man with no
feet."  Wow, now doesn't that put things into perspective?  It is so easy to complain
about our problems isn't it.

Philippians 4:11  "Not that I speak in respect of want:  for I have learned, in
whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content."

This is quite a statement from the Apostle Paul.  Here was a man who had been
deserted, shipwrecked, imprisoned and destitute at times, claiming that no matter
what state he was in, he had learned to be content.  Contentment is a learned state,
it does not come naturally, for we are all born with the mindset of always wanting
something more, something different, something better. 

How can we learn to be content?  First we need to be thankful for what we have.
1 Thessalonians 5:18  "In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God
in Christ Jesus concerning you."  Being a thankful person isn't a choice, we are
commanded to be so.  To be thankful is to be obedient to the Lord.  When we
become thankful for what God has provided for us, we lose that covetous, selfish
spirit that permeates this old world.

Secondly, keep in mind that God has promised to supply what we need...not what
we want!  Philippians 4:19  "But my God shall supply all your need according
to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus."  What a wonderful promise for the child
of God!  Discontentment raises its ugly head when we get our wants confused with
our needs!  We sit and grumble about not having what we think we need.  God
knows our needs and He has promised that we will supply them.  If God hasn't
given you something, don't complain, instead thank Him for knowing that this
want is not good for you.

Lastly, stop looking at yourself and start putting others first.  Philippians 2:3 & 4
"Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory:  but in lowliness of mind
let each esteem other better than themselves.  Look not every man on his own
things, but every man also on the things of others.  A self-centered, self-absorbed
individual will be a discontented individual!  When we put others first, their needs
become predominate in our thoughts.  Our whiney selfish way will disappear as
the Lords love and compassion for others takes priority.  Seeing the needs of others
has a way of putting our wants into perspective better than anything else. 

When you become tempted to become discontent today, remember your blessings,
remember the man with no feet!