A Call to Contentment

        The Bread Of Life is filled with good and wholesome nutrition.  The apostle Paul offers up two slices that have the power to truly transform our lives.  In 1Thess.5:16-18 he writes, “Rejoice always; Pray without ceasing; In everything give thanks; For this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”  If we can take these words to heart they will change us for the better.  As to this REJOICING ALWAYS, few of us excel.  Many of us seem to be locked in to a “C” grade at best.  We are often critical.  We carp a lot.  We are frequently adult cry-babies.  We complain at every turn.  Cranky is our middle name.  More than we should be, we are crusty and cross with one each other.  At times we’re guilty of cutting-down and chewing-out the very ones we claim to love the most.  We’re lacking in genuine contentment.

        Another slice of Scripture provided by Paul comes from Philp.4:11, I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. Both of these texts need to be memorized by every single one of us - -  memorized and actualized.  It’s one thing to be able to quote a verse, but even more important than just memorizing a passage is the act of ALLOWING THE SCRIPTURES TO SHAPE US.  It is one thing to hear, but hearing must translate into heeding in order to reap the full benefits of The Bread we consume. 

        There are times when a “whatever response” could be viewed as disrespectful.  Some of our children have likely been lectured and

even grounded for saying, “W-H-A-T-E-V-E-R!”.  Whatever is not necessarily a bad word, it’s more the attitude that is behind it that gets our younger ones into trouble.  But there are many instances where this “whatever  attitude” can actually be a bold expression of faith and trust in our Almighty God.   

                                                                     Terry Siverd / Cortland Church Of Christ