THE CONTENTED PEOPLE- PASTOR GREG ELKAN.

If you compared the lives of the original disciples of the early church as documented in scripture to Christians today, it’d be hard not to notice the glaring variance between their value-systems and ours; particularly with respect to physical possessions. 

The early Believers were a people of faith – radical, earth-shattering faith. They were a people who knew their God and (like Dan 11:32 says) were strong, and did exploits. Nevertheless, that faith of theirs never affected their sense of identity or worth. Their being “in Christ” meant that they were ‘complete’ in Him – not needing anything more to grant them fulfilment. 

That is why their messages were filled with admonitions for contentment.   

Paul says, _“Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: everywhere and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.”_(Php 4:11-12) 

In 1Ti 6:6-8 he writes, _“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing let us be with these things content.”_ 

The writer of Hebrews says _“Let your conduct be without covetousness; and be content with such things as you have: for He has said, I will never leave you, nor forsake you.”_ (Heb 13:5)

And our Lord Himself said, _“Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consists not in the abundance of the things which he possesses.”_ (Lk 12:15).

Beloved, let’s gain back our reputation as the contented people. We mustn’t fret and fuss like people of the world who have no hope beyond this present life. In your contention to earn a good life for yourself and your loved ones, be reminded that you _already_ have everything you need both for this life and for eternity; and let that fact reflect in your behavior and everything you do.

AMEN...

PASTOR GREG ELKAN.