Scriptures of the Day:
1 Corinthians 7:21-23 (NIV)
“Were you a slave when you were called? Don’t let it trouble you–although if you can gain your freedom, do so. 22 For the one who was a slave when called to faith in the Lord is the Lord’s freed person; similarly, the one who was free when called is Christ’s slave. 23 You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of human beings.
1 Corinthians 7:24
“In whatever situation someone was called, brothers and sisters, let him remain in it with God.”
Inspirational Thought of the Day:
We can be content in whatever situation we are in because God is with us.
This life has so many curve balls coming our way, yet through it all, our God can catch every fly ball. Can you tell that I am missing baseball? I used to love to watch my son play. He had such a passion and contentment – no matter what position he was. He was truly fun to watch. He played with such a zeal and passion for excellence and encouraged each one on his team to be their very best.
We are all on a team, too. What team are we on? God’s. Some of us will be serving God in roles we might not appreciate if we separate it from being a part of His calling for us. But there is great contentment in knowing that what we are doing – small or large – is for the King of kings. We should want to give our very best, no matter what our perception is of our place. Some will serve in seemingly lesser roles, some will serve in esteemed ones, but we all serve One.
In God’s economy, all are significant; all matter. This truth fuels our contentment when we are tempted to look around and wonder what the purpose is in our perceived low positions of life. James recommended boasting in our low position, not our higher one (James 1:9). He recognized that all positions come from God. There is a purpose in them that far surpasses our comfort or gain.
Paul spoke about learning to be content in Philippians 4:12. It does not come naturally to our flesh to be okay, even grateful for our circumstances. Frankly, life’s circumstances provide plenty of opportunities to face discontentment. What will win out in our case? Will we complain when life seems unfair, or accept our new position as a mission from God?
Another big distraction from contentment other than our comfort and pride is the opinion of man. So much energy can be wasted on vying for positions that God has already determined. Or simply winning the praise of man. This is futile and pointless, but difficult to rise above. God can enable us to overcome the temptation of fearing man’s estimation. We are not called to be a slave to man’s fickle opinion. We are servants of Christ, instead.
There is peace in the knowledge that our God who allows our circumstances and positions in this life will also give us grace to thrive in them. Our contentment and joy depend on what we are to Christ, not what we are in the world.
Lord, thank You for creating us for a specific purpose. When we are tempted to think You are unaware of the issues of life that crowd in and try to steal our contentment, help us to understand that nothing is insignificant in the hands of our Master and you use it all for our good and Your glory.