Excerpt from “Accelerator”, Accelerated Christian Education, Aug-Sep, pg 15
Have you ever heard someone say “My car is too old” or ” I have nothing to wear”? We want new and we want it now! But what if God has another plan? Maybe He is trying to teach us to be content.
The above character strip that come from Science PACE 1015 illustrates the character trait “content.” In this character strip, we see that Ace doesn’t have money to buy ice cream like the other students. Instead of becoming sad, angry, or finding someone to blame, he finds contentment. The character trait “content” is defined by A.C.E. as: Understanding and accepting that God has provided everything that I need for adjusting to circumstances around me.
The Bible has many examples of those who were content. John the Baptist showed contentment by humbly preaching repentance of sin while living in the desert clothed in camel hair and eating wild honey and locusts. Abraham was content to let his nephew Lot have first choice of the land and what appeared, at first, to be a better plot. Job, having lost nearly everything, declared…the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD. (Job 1:12) And the apostle Paul,l though shipwrecked, beaten, thrown into prison, and persecuted, could still say, Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever stat I am, therewith to be content. (Philippians 4:11)
The attitude of contentment is not something that comes naturally. It is found only by faith and trust in God’s beneficent provision. The sinful world promotes materialism as the means and end-all to living a “successful life.” The desire to acquire the material “treasures” of this world rather than heeding the words of Matthew 6:20 to “lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven” has left many disillusioned and broken. Matthew 6:21 continues, For where your treasure is, there will you heart be also. God wants our hearts to be content and filled with the abundant blessings He has given us, as I Timothy 6:6 states, But godliness with contentment is great gain.
The Christian has many reasons to be content beyond our earthly needs. Hebrews 13:5 states, Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. His eternal presence and salvation is something we could not attain on our own.
Every day our students discern the character traits that we display in the Learning Center. Are we setting forth a Godly role model in both the positive and challenging moments? Students tend to emulate their leaders in action and attitude. Are the students exhibiting a spirit of contentment? Do they live the words of I Timothy 6:8, And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
How content are you with what God has given to you and your school? May we strive each day to reflect upon God’s blessings in our lives and display Godly contentment.