CONTENT IN WHATEVER

          The apostle Paul wrote to the disciples in Corinth saying, "be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ” (1Cor.11:1).  Following Paul’s lead in almost any arena of discipleship is no easy task, but the ultimate challenge might be encountered in living out Paul's words of exhortation written to the church at Philippi -- I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances…(Philp.4:11).  For Paul, this content-in-whatever mindset is not just an occasional aspiration.  To disciples in Ephesus, he speaks of giving thanks for all things (Eph.5:20) and to the saints in Thessalonica, he urges, in everything give thanks (1Thess.5:18).  Paul viewed every-day contentment as an absolutely essential element to Christian witness.       

          Are you ready for the test?  Have you learned to be content in whatever circumstances you find yourself?  Perhaps most of us would confess that we are still in the learning stage.  It is a significant challenge - - learning to gives thank in everything for all things - - to be content in whatever.

                                                                                                                            Terry Siverd / Cortland Church of Christ