"Now godliness with contentment is great gain". 1 Timothy 6:6
A simple truth I learnt in camp from the life of Joseph & my hubby.
Contentment first comes with understanding and awareness of your lot - what you have or the lack thereof. This is followed by a humble submission to the will of God to accept one's present lot and not speak bitterly about it. I saw much application of this in the life of Joseph as well as in camp.
Contentment first comes with understanding and awareness of your lot - what you have or the lack thereof. This is followed by a humble submission to the will of God to accept one's present lot and not speak bitterly about it. I saw much application of this in the life of Joseph as well as in camp.
Joseph: The direct response of Joseph to his trials and tribulations in the Bible is significantly absent in Genesis. The absence of protests, vindication, justification and pleading from Joseph speaks loudly to me. Was it because Joseph exercised the power of his mind to think that his situation was not that bad thus making the trials more bearable? It would be really funny to think that Joseph convinced himself that he tripped and fell into a small hole as opposed to the reality that his brothers plotted and schemed to deliberately cast him into a hole to die. It would be just as hilarious to think that Joseph convinced himself that he was placed in a special room with special people as opposed to the reality that he was imprisoned and living along side with criminals. From Joseph's final revelation to his brothers [Genesis 45:5-8], it is apparent that Joseph knew fully well the weight of his troubles and difficulties - he knew he was hated by his brothers, he knew they sold him, he knew they wanted him out of their lives, he knew that potiphar's wife had implicated him with a serious crime...he knew and he did not 'postively think' his way out of his trials. He trusted his God and knew that his God was sufficient for all his trials. Joseph submitted his will to God and knew that God is in control. That was the reason for his godly response.
Camp: This brings me back to a truth which Daniel shared with me. When confronted with difficulties, we need not exercise the power of positive thinking to convince ourselves that things are not as bad as it seems. Contentment is the understanding and awareness of the situation and the submission of our wills to God. In light of our camp this year, it is true that it is not the most conducive place to seek solace with God nor is the food of five-star quality. Convincing ourselves or others otherwise may not be the solution. As discerning and prudent Christians, let's make a mental note and humbly acknowledge that this would not be the best option for future camps. As thankful Christians, we know that hard work has been put in to make this camp possible. With that awareness, all complaints should be put aside as speaking bitterly would only worsen the situation. Look around and make the best use of a 5 day leave which many working adults had to take. Perhaps it was meant to be a camp of great fun & fellowship with one another. I have to admit - It has been long time since I had a 'splashing' good time with my family and close friends.
Me: As for me, I would submit my will to God to be content with whatever He thinks is best for me.
1) Kayaking, Fishing, and Fish Eating
2) Cousins and Cousin-in-Laws at Peranakan Restaurant
3) Family & Friends at Jonker Dessert
4) Tenderhearted - The Winning Team!!
5) Family at Shakey's
6) Auntie Chee Kit & Me
.Godliness with Contentment is a Submission of the Will empowered by the Holy Spirit and not a Delusion of Mind empowered by our Imagination.
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