Contentment Is Found Where God Directs.
“We are created in Christ Jesus for good works.”
Ephesians 2:10 NAS. Ephesians 2:10 NAS.
My thoughts and comments today are about, “a contented life.”
Many people lack a clear and certain idea about what their life is meant to be. Some are busy but not fulfilled. Others are successful but not satisfied. Life is not just about doing good things, or even things at which you are good. A contented life is about doing the good things God prepared you to do. God’s intention for you is clear:“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10 NAS. Did you take time to think about that verse as you read it? You are God’s work to do good works that He has already predetermined.
It would be wise to give careful thought for what those good works might be for you?I recall a talented young man who had previously been successful and financially prosperous in his career. But there was a problem. He did not enjoy what he was doing. He was prospering in the estimation of others but lacked satisfaction in his heart as well as a sense of purpose and fulfilment. He resigned from his promising career to go as a missionary, teaching young students in a Christian school in Europe at considerable monetary sacrifice, and was excited doing so.He rearranged his future to assist in the future of others.
I think the first part of my young friend’s story is all too common. I wish the rest of his story were more typical.Life is best when and where you are doing His will with a whole heart. Well, I have found good things are even better when your heart knows, “it’s a God thing!” You do not need to stumble around looking for what you should do, trying to find the things at which you are good. Your heavenly Father has a divine assignment for your life. That’s where you will find your greatest joy, success, and satisfaction, and contentment.There are a couple of things of which I am sure.
First, God’s assignment for your life will be consistent with the spiritual gifts God places within you. Peter was clear, “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms . . do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 4:10-11 NIV. Your talents, skills, giftedness, and interests will ultimately reveal what God has always been preparing for you.
Secondly, what God has prepared for you will involve serving others in some meaningful way. Sometimes you only discover where your gifts lie while in the process of serving the needs of others in Christ’s Name. Your God-given gifts and abilities are not for your personal benefit alone. “You were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” Galatians 5:13 NIV.
Your personal abilities are reinforced by spiritual gifts, life experiences, and seized opportunities. God ordained you to contribute to the welfare and well-being of others, as He brings them into your life. Use what you have for yourself and you will find them never to be enough, inadequate and lacking the measure of joy and contentment God intends for you. Every day bless someone with kindness and helpfulness without being asked or expecting anything in return.
Jesus said that even, “giving a cup of cold water in His Name,” would not go without His reward. Read Matthew 10:42 NIV. Good works are rarely large, impressive things as you might presume. More often, God’s works are found in the ordinary, simple, everyday things: such as a helping hand, a kind word, an unnoticed benevolence, a bit of time shared, a note of encouragement, a prayer on behalf of a friend, or sincere gratitude to God and others. “Godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.” 1 Timothy 6:6-7 NIV.
Today, I pray for you to use your spiritual and natural gifts to bless others.
Christian Communications 2019
Website and archives: allenrandolph.com