Avizandam. In Scots law, this term describes the careful consideration given by the judge before an important decision. Join me each week as we explore various topics from a spiritual perspective and take matters. Avisandum. Are you content?
I'm not asking whether you are ambitious or want to improve in some area of life. The question is whether you are content. I must confess, contentment is a bit of a struggle for me. I'm sometimes tempted to live in the future rather than being content with my present circumstances. I know some men dream of the day they will finally retire then they believe they will be content.
then they will buy that boat on the lake. Contentment is not very common in most of our lives. We feel if we had different circumstances, such as a different boss, different employment, more money, a different spouse, or were married or have more money, we would then be content. We often want something we don't have, and contentment seems far away. Paul said he'd learn to be content in whatever situation he was in.
That's Philippians 4, verse 11. In 1 Timothy 6, verse 6, Paul writes, But godliness with contentment is great gain. All of us who are followers of Jesus Christ would like to be content. Jeremiah Burrows was a Puritan living in seventeenth century England. He wrote The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment.
Burroughs writes, Christian contentment is that sweet, inward, quiet, gracious frame of spirit. which freely submits to and delights in God's wise and fatherly disposal in every situation. That's very good, isn't it? Paul's secret of contentment was completely independent of his circumstances. In Philippians 4, Paul writes about the importance of joy, spiritual unity, thankfulness, and the peace of God.
These are all wonderful virtues of the mature believer. the Apostle realized that his joy, his delight were found in Jesus Christ rather than trusting in the varying circumstances of his life. Too often our emotional well being is dependent on external circumstances rather than trusting God in every situation. Trying to control our own lives, rather than handing control over to the Lord, will never lead to contentment. Paul understood that it's not so much our circumstances which have to be changed before we're contented.
We need to be changed. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, Paul writes in Philippians 4, verse 13.
So, this life of contentment belongs to those who trust in God. who draw on the power of Christ rather than on their own resources, experiences, or feelings.
So I'm going to try to be more content, understanding that God will give me all of the strength, all of the wisdom, all of the resources and power I need to do His will. This is living in the presence of God day by day. And turning our backs on the selfishness, jealousy, and greed not only around us. But in us Will you join me in praying? That our great and gracious God will give us a spirit of contentment.
Avizando. You're listening to the weekly Avizandam podcast from The Verdict, featuring Pastor John Monroe. John is Senior Pastor at Calvary Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. Listen to John's daily program, The Verdict, on broadcast radio or major podcast platforms. For more information about the Verdict Ministry, visit us online at calvarychurch.com/slash the verdict.
