Today I continue our new series entitled, “Power of Fellowship.” In our last message we looked at Genesis 1:26-28. We will deal more with the book of Genesis this week. But for today’s message, I am led to share something the Apostle Paul said. There is a connection between Paul’s statement and Adam’s life. The connection is that Adam did not learn to be content.
Adam had it all. Adam had power. He ruled the entire earth. Whatever he named things is what they became. Adam had purpose. He was assigned by God Himself to oversee the Garden of Eden. Adam had provision. He had an entire forest (basically) to eat from. God gave him more than enough. Adam had parameters. God told him not to eat from the fruit of the forbidden tree. This was actually genius, because it gave Adam the ability to choose to either obey or disobey God. This made Adam a free-moral-agent. Lastly, Adam had partnership with God Himself. Later God gave Adam a wife. So he had a vertical relationship with God and a horizontal relationship with Eve. But even with all of that, Adam was not content. He coveted the one thing that was forbidden from him.
In this series we are learning to fellowship with God and with others. To truly enjoy strong and lasting relationships we need to be healthy. Part of being healthy, inside and out, is learning to be content.
In the New Testament, as the Apostle Paul was closing out his letter to the believers in Philippi, he wrote the following:
“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:11-13)
So what does this mean to you today? A few things.
1. Adam basically had everything you could ask for and he was still not content. He had thousands of trees to pick from, but he was lured to the ONE TREE that was off limits to him. Like Adam, many people today have more than enough, but they are still not content. And also like Adam, their discontent leads them to make poor decisions. As believers we must learn to be content with where we are, while continuing to strive to become the man/woman we are called to be. This is a delicate balance, but it is one we must master.
2. The definition of the word content in Noah’s Webster’s Dictionary from 1828 is: “Rest or quietness of the mind in the present condition; satisfaction which holds the mind in peace, restraining complaint, opposition, or further desire, and often implying a moderate degree of happiness.” As children of God, we must learn to be content.
3. God calls us to do great things. His purpose for our lives tied to a lifelong journey. Life is lived out in levels and stages, and times and seasons. The fact that you are called to do something may not mean that you are supposed to be doing it RIGHT NOW. This is why, while you are pursuing your purpose, you must learn to be content with where you are. Being content and satisfied, on the inside, will keep you mentally and spiritually healthy. You need this type of health because life is a marathon, not a sprint. If you don’t learn how to be at peace with where you are, you may never get to where God has called you to be.
4. Mental health is a major challenge in the world today, even amongst believers. Christians are commiting suicide at similar rates than non-believers. Even Pastors are taking their lives. This is happening to good people, who love God, and who are trying to do the right things. They are trying to walk with God, but they have failed to be content with where they are. Learning to be content is critical to being healthy enough (inside and out) to able to hang around long enough to complete your life’s assignment while you are in the earth.
5. It’s okay to know that your state is not your fate. It’s a good thing to know that you are called to be and to do more than where you are right now. But if you don’t learn to be content, as you walk with God, your life will be stripped of the joy God intended. God wants you to complete your assignment and to make it to heaven. But He also wants you to ENJOY THE RIDE. If you want to ENJOY THE RIDE, you must learn to be content.
6. Enter into this day determined to enjoy the journey. Walk with God and allow Him to walk with you. Look up and not down. Look forward and not backward. Sure, you are not where God has called you to be yet. But you are also not where you used to be. Just keep walking with God. Enjoy every level and stage. Make the most of every time and season. Living this way you will be healthy enough and you will stick around long enough to actually complete your divine assignment before you die!
Declaration of Faith:
Father, by faith I declare that I am content and satisfied with my life. I know I am called to more. But I also know that there are levels and stages to life. There are times and seasons connected to my journey. I don’t have to do everything today. I enter into Your rest concerning my purpose and I know I shall get it done before I die. I am satisfied with You. I truly enjoy who I am and who I am called to be. I enter into this day healthy inside and out. I have a spring in my step, a song in my heart, and a smile on my face. I go to work and I whistle while I work. Because You are with me every step of the way! I declare this by faith. In Jesus’ name, Amen!
This is Today’s Word. Apply it and prosper!
