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TOPIC: MacDuff, John - The Christians Pathway (31 days) (Other Topics in this Collection)
SUBJECT: Day 13
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"But godliness with contentment is great gain." 1Ti_6:6
Reference is made in one of the epistles, to "Whatever is noble, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable." And among the several virtues which deserve to be thus characterized, that of Christian contentment can be particularly specified. The believer is frequently exhorted to cultivate such a feeling, and there are many considerations by which the duty may be enforced.
One thing is very evident—that there is no condition in the present world, which is free from trouble! Let us pitch our tent wherever we may—we shall be sure to find something to annoy us! And if there is no situation without some inconvenience, had we not better make up our minds to be satisfied with that condition in which we are now placed?
We are too much in the habit of judging by outward appearances. Things are often very different in reality—to what they appear to be. The sun appears to rise and set—but we know that it does neither the one nor the other. The earth appears as if it were a vast extended plain; and when we used to hear in our childhood that there were people who lived on the under-side of it—we were greatly puzzled. But since then we have learned that above and below are only relative terms, and the mystery concerning the people on the other side of the earth, walking, as we imagined, with their feet upwards—does not puzzle us any longer. In winter, again, all the plants and flowers appear to be dead; experience, however, has taught us to think otherwise. Notwithstanding the deadness which appears on every hand during the winter—we look forward with confidence to the coming spring, and we expect to see animation where all before was torpor, and life where everything had borne the aspect of death. So wide is the difference between objects in their outward appearance, and what they are in reality.
As it is with things—so it is also with people. If we judge according to appearance, we shall be led to regard the most prosperous—as the happiest individuals. But we are assured by universal experience that to be great is one thing, and that to be truly happy is altogether another thing! Under the glittering robes of the proudest nobilities—there are hearts pierced with anguish, and wrung with grief! In splendid palaces there are not a few broken hearts to be found. To sit upon thrones may seem to be something very fascinating; but, as the poet remarks, "Uneasy lies the head—which wears a crown!" This is a truth which receives from every passing year, fresh confirmation. Let us not then regard those who occupy the high places of the earth, with feelings of envy. Instead of envying them—it befits us rather to pity them and pray for them!
Reader, learn to distinguish between things that differ; and be well assured that things as they appear outwardly, and as they are really—do often differ, and that very substantially! Such knowledge will tend, under the divine blessing, to make you more contented with your present lot, notwithstanding its trials and privations. It is not unusual—to be exposed to things which are grievous and hard to be borne. This is not some strange thing that is happening to us alone—but what is constantly happening to our brethren. Let us lay aside, therefore, all murmurings and complainings, and ever remember that God's arrangements are the wisest and the best!
Reference is made in one of the epistles, to "Whatever is noble, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable." And among the several virtues which deserve to be thus characterized, that of Christian contentment can be particularly specified. The believer is frequently exhorted to cultivate such a feeling, and there are many considerations by which the duty may be enforced.
One thing is very evident—that there is no condition in the present world, which is free from trouble! Let us pitch our tent wherever we may—we shall be sure to find something to annoy us! And if there is no situation without some inconvenience, had we not better make up our minds to be satisfied with that condition in which we are now placed?
We are too much in the habit of judging by outward appearances. Things are often very different in reality—to what they appear to be. The sun appears to rise and set—but we know that it does neither the one nor the other. The earth appears as if it were a vast extended plain; and when we used to hear in our childhood that there were people who lived on the under-side of it—we were greatly puzzled. But since then we have learned that above and below are only relative terms, and the mystery concerning the people on the other side of the earth, walking, as we imagined, with their feet upwards—does not puzzle us any longer. In winter, again, all the plants and flowers appear to be dead; experience, however, has taught us to think otherwise. Notwithstanding the deadness which appears on every hand during the winter—we look forward with confidence to the coming spring, and we expect to see animation where all before was torpor, and life where everything had borne the aspect of death. So wide is the difference between objects in their outward appearance, and what they are in reality.
As it is with things—so it is also with people. If we judge according to appearance, we shall be led to regard the most prosperous—as the happiest individuals. But we are assured by universal experience that to be great is one thing, and that to be truly happy is altogether another thing! Under the glittering robes of the proudest nobilities—there are hearts pierced with anguish, and wrung with grief! In splendid palaces there are not a few broken hearts to be found. To sit upon thrones may seem to be something very fascinating; but, as the poet remarks, "Uneasy lies the head—which wears a crown!" This is a truth which receives from every passing year, fresh confirmation. Let us not then regard those who occupy the high places of the earth, with feelings of envy. Instead of envying them—it befits us rather to pity them and pray for them!
Reader, learn to distinguish between things that differ; and be well assured that things as they appear outwardly, and as they are really—do often differ, and that very substantially! Such knowledge will tend, under the divine blessing, to make you more contented with your present lot, notwithstanding its trials and privations. It is not unusual—to be exposed to things which are grievous and hard to be borne. This is not some strange thing that is happening to us alone—but what is constantly happening to our brethren. Let us lay aside, therefore, all murmurings and complainings, and ever remember that God's arrangements are the wisest and the best!