“Man’s happiness really lies in contentment. And Healthy discontent is the prelude to progress.”- Gandhi
Welcome to part 2 of contentment. Gandhi seems to be contradictory in his two quotes, until you examine further. Gandhi was discontent with the system of oppression in his country and he had a goal to change it. The secret for Gandhi was his contentment as a person. He was content with who he was and his personal life because of his inner power to face the opposition. He knew nothing can take away his power to be happy. They could take away all his belongings, security, basic human needs and he was still content. He taught how to be content with simplicity.
Content does not mean complacent. In the goal you strive for is the very thing that challenges you along the journey. It is not about getting to the goal but it is learning to be content in the journey, no matter what obstacles you may encounter. Bottom line to contentment is the mind. Mind over matter? Perhaps.
You might say, “I am not happy because I feel my life is crap.” I can sympathize with you; it is difficult when relationships are not going very well, finances are tough, eating habits and weight gain frustrate, or when life is just a mess. You and I both have had those situations that we have encountered in life to where we just want to give up. There were times when I was unhappy in my condition and in others I was happy and content. Paul in Philippians 4:10-14 provides a secret lesson I had to learn in being content in every situation whether I was fed or I was hungry. The secret to contentment is to remember:
- The conditions do not make you unhappy; it is your choice of thoughts, attitude and behavior that allows you to find contentment in all things.
- Count your pieces of good fortune; be satisfied in what you do have because many do not have it.
- In your relationships remember to step back and accept them as an entire package. It is learning how to work with them rather than against them. Think of how a porcupine bypasses their own kind by working around the quills.
- Do you really need or want? Consider why you want something (see last week's blog Need).
- Remember who is in control. As a Christian, God is in control. He is the pilot, Christ is the co-pilot and the Spirit is the navigator. You are a steward on the plane of life to help others remember how to be content. You have a destination, but it is all in how you serve.
“God’s gifts put man’s best dreams to shame.” - Elizabeth Barrett Browning
The mind is power. Harnessing the power is the secret to life. What do you choose to be content in?
By Faith (Forging Attitude In Trusting Him)
