When contemplating the innumerable corruptions that exist in our country today, there are many legitimate reasons for us to be tempted to be discontent. Our society hates God, murder of babies is applauded, sexual degeneracy is promoted, inflation, wars, the IRS, and of course that presidential assassination attempt.
But despite all of these real evils in our land, we still enjoy great blessings that many others don’t. We’re here worshiping God openly every Lord’s day, we have the ability to work and provide for our families, we can give our children a Christian education, and we enjoy an abundance of comforts that we often take for granted. We have all been given much.
And even with all that we have been given, we so often can grow discontent. Discontent with what we have, or don’t have. Discontent with our job, our house, our health, or our spouse. Many times, the better you have it, the more discontent you can become.
When Jesus said “to whom much is given, of him shall be much required,” He was speaking of the reality that we will be held accountable for our use of the gifts that He has given us. There is a higher bar for those who have more. And considering the blessing that God has given each of us, this statement carries much weight.
It follows, then, that as we have been given much, it is required of us that we not only use our gifts well, but also that we have much gratitude for them. Much thankfulness for them. When we’re discontent, it’s because we think too highly of ourselves. We’re quick to protest against government entitlements, yet at the same time feel entitled ourselves to bigger and better handouts from God. You look upon another’s talents or position with envy, not because you don’t have it, but because you don’t realize what you do have. The remedy for this discontentment is found in Psalm 144:
LORD what is man, that thou takest knowledge of him! or the son of man, that thou makest account of him! Man is like to vanity: his days are as a shadow that passeth away.
When you’re discontent, ask yourself the question; who am I? Who am I? My life is a breath. I’m made out of dust. Who am I to receive such blessing from God?
When you consider the insignificance and unworthiness of yourself, it will magnify your perception of God’s goodness toward you. Even the recognition of how unworthy you are, is not natural to you, but it is a pure gift of His grace.
Think about this: God knows all of your sins, your failures, and your weaknesses. And He still loves you. He still floods you with more heavenly and earthly blessings than you can count. We don’t comprehend how extraordinary this is.
Meditate on this, remember this. Discontentment will die, and gratitude will rise.
Mike Niam – July 14, 2024
