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XII.
Christian Growth and Experience
Chapter 128
:
Contentment
1. WHAT does the
apostle say is great gain?
"But godliness with contentment
is great gain. For we
brought nothing into this world, and it is
certain we can carry nothing out." 1 Tim. 6:6,7.
2. With what are we
exhorted to be content?
"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." Heb. 13:5. "And
having food and raiment let us be therewith
content." 1 Tim. 6:8.
3. Concerning what does
Christ tell us not to be anxious?
"Be not therefore anxious, saying,
What shall we eat? or,
What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal
shall we be clothed? For after all these
things do the Gentiles seek; for your Heavenly
Father knoweth that ye have need of all these
things." Matt. 6:31,32, R. V.
NOTE.-"Live not in careful suspense."
Luke 12:29, margin.
4. What evils befall
those who are determined to be rich?
"But they that will be rich fall
into temptation and a snare, and into many
foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men
in destruction and perdition. For the love of
money is the root of all evil: which while some
coveted after, they have erred from the
faith, and pierced themselves through with many
sorrows." 1 Tim. 6:9,10.
5. By what
illustrations did Christ teach contentment?
"Consider the ravens: for they
neither sow nor reap; which neither have
storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how
much more are ye better than the fowls? . . .
Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil
not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that
Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like
one of these. If then God so clothe the grass,
which is today in the field, and tomorrow is
cast into the oven; how much more will He clothe
you, O ye of little faith?" Luke 12:24-28.
6. What lesson in
contentment did Paul say he had learned?
"I have learned, in whatsoever
state I am, therewith to be content." Phil.
4:11.
7. What ancient promise
should lead to contentment?
"While the earth remaineth, seed-time
and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and
winter, and day and night shall not cease." Gen.
8:22.
8. Upon whom should we
cast all our care?
"Casting all your care upon Him
[God]; for He careth for you." 1 Peter 5:7.
NOTES.-"Contentment produces, in some
measure, all those effects which the
alchemist usually ascribes to what he calls
the philosopher's stone. If it does not
bring riches, it does the same thing by
banishing the desire for them. If it cannot
remove the disquietudes arising from a man's
mind, body, or fortune, it makes him easy
under them."- Addison."
A contented mind sees something good in
everything,-fair weather in every wind,
blessings in every storm.
"If we cannot get what we like, we should
try to like what we get."
"There is no malady more severe than
habitual discontent."- Fleming.
"If you cannot frame your circumstances
in accordance with your wishes, frame your
will in harmony with your circumstances."-
Epictetus.
"A contented mind is a continual feast."
GOD
holds the future in His hand,
O heart of mine, be still!
His love will plan the best for thee,
The best, or light or dark it be:
Then rest ye in His will.
God
holds the future in His hand,
Why should I shrink or fear?
Through every dark and cloudy day-
Yea, all along my pilgrim way-
His love will bless and cheer.
God
holds the future in His hand,
And I can trust His love.
The past declares His faithfulness;
His eye will guide, His heart will bless.
Till I am safe above. |
