On being content
Rev. Norbert Tegtmeier - Messiah Lutheran Church
Friday, April 4, 2008
Is this all there is to life? All I do is get up in the morning, go to work at a job I really don’t like, I come home, take care of the household chores, eat my dinner, sit down in my easy chair to take a nap so I can go to bed and then get up the next morning and do it all over again. Is this all there is to life? What is missing in my life?
I was reading from Paul’s letter to the Philippians in my daily devotions and I ran across these words, “I have learned to be content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” Philippians 4:12 As I read that verse I wondered to myself, how many of us can really say that? How many of us are content in any and every situation? What do you think of when you think of the word “content?” I have many different images that come to my mind. I’m sure all of you have seen and held a little baby in your arms. When that little baby has had his/her diapers changed, when he/she has been fed and is full and he/she is lying in the crib sound asleep, then we look at that baby and say, “oh he/she is so content, so peaceful.” Another image that comes to mind is going to a church potluck. The ladies put out all this delicious food, I fill my plate, sit down and eat to my hearts content, and then when I push away from the table, for the moment anyway, I am content.
“I have learned to be content in any and every situation .. “You know, when I look at our world, when I sit down to visit with people, it isn’t very often that I hear those words. Many of us are anything but content. We are constantly looking for something more. “There has to be more to life than this,” we say. We have all the latest little gadgets, we walk around with our cell phones, we drive around with GPS systems in our cars so we know where we are going and how to get there, we get online to find what we need, our children are engrossed in the latest game gadgets, and still we are looking for more. Many times husband and wives seem to be anything but content with each other and their marriage. Whether we have plenty or are in want, there is always that desire for something more, something new, something better. Now, lest you think that I am against progress, I am much in favor of growing and developing life as God gives us ability. But really, contentment isn’t about that. It’s about what is going on inside of you and me. I believe that the Apostle Paul gives us the answer to being content. Listen to his words. “I can do all things through Him (Christ) who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13 It was the Lord Jesus Christ who gave Paul strength in every situation of life. It was this Jesus who filled his heart with a peace and a joy that nothing in this world can give. Paul was content because he knew that he was always in the loving care of his Savior. It is my hope and prayer that each of comes to that point in our lives where we can say with the Apostle Paul, “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation ... I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” When you have plenty, remember that it is Christ who gave it! When you are in want, in need, remember that it is this Jesus who provides not just the physical things of life, but He provides strength to go on and the peace of His presence. As we in this community face some struggles ahead, may this great God fill our hearts with contentment in Jesus!
F “Sunday Sermon” is a forum for Emporia area ministers to share their sermons, thoughts and observations. This week’s sermon is from the Rev. Mike Sorsen of the Emporia Presbyterian Church.