Bacon, Eggs and God

Discontent

For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.

It has been my experience that the major contributors to discontentment arise from pride and a presumptuous conceit of our own worth or importance. Because of our fleshly nature we are prone to esteem ourselves more than we are truly worth. True faith, and adherence to the Scriptures, humbles a person, for it shows them that they deserve nothing; hence, they realize that everything they have is more than they deserve.  

Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

When we, in lowliness of mind, value ourselves at nothing (esteem other better than themselves), then every provision from God is over and above our actual worth.

The riches of this world are earthly, transitory and often snares; they are not worthy to be counted as riches. But when we factor in godliness, it brings forth contentment with great gain. Paul reminds us, But godliness with contentment is great gain. Those are true riches. The apostle calls these riches to be unsearchable riches and everlasting riches.

Godly contentment opens the door to all the good in this world. Those who possess godliness with contentment actually possess as much as they desire to possess; which affords them complete and everlasting contentment. The person with godliness and contentment is living a life that they desire.

For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 

Because we brought nothing into the world…what right have we to be discontented with what has since been given to us? And because we can carry nothing out…what foolishness to spend all our time in amassing wealth and material possessions. For when this life has run its course, we will be required to leave everything behind us! The greedy and materialistic person is never contented; never knowing what it is to be truly thankful.

Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. 

Looking back over the many years of my own life, the times I lacked contentment, could be found in those times that I was not content with God; thinking to myself, “Why me God?” when I lost a possession, and at others times thinking, “Why not me God?” when I saw others who had acquired those things I desired to have.

God allowed me gain materials things and then lose them all; over and over again. Finally, I arrived at the place where God wanted me to be. It took some time, but I learned that in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me: