LAKEVIEW MISSIONARY CHURCH

Weekly Update for March 16, 2022

STRENGTH FOR CONTENTMENT

Pastor Robert J. Morgan tells a story of how a rich industrialist was disturbed to find a fisherman sitting idly by his boat. The rich industrialist asked the fisherman, “Why aren’t you out there fishing?” The fisherman replied, “Because I’ve caught enough fish for today.” The rich man asked, “Why don’t you catch more fish than you need?” The fisherman replied, “What would I do with them?”
            The rich man then explained, “You could earn more money and buy a better boat, so you could go deeper and catch more fish. You could purchase better nets, catch more fish, and make more money. Soon you’d have a fleet of boats and be rich like me.”
            The fisherman looked perplexed, “Then what would I do?” The rich man proudly announced, “You could sit down and enjoy life.” The fisherman smiled, “What do you think I’m doing right now?”
            Most of us—like that industrialist—struggle with contentment in our lives. In Hebrews we’re told “to be content with what you have” (Hebrews 8:5, NASB). It’s hard to be content when we don’t have much, but Hebrews tells us how to be content. We can be content because God will never leave us no matter what we are going through, “we confidently say, ‘the lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What will man do to me?’” (Hebrews 13:6). We can be content because leaders give us a good example to follow about how to be content, “Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith” (Hebrews 13:7). We can be content because Jesus never changes and always stays the same. Jesus is content and we should be too, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).
            The world way change. Its winds may blow and try to toss us around, but because of our faith in Christ we are content and stable. Like a deeply rooted tree in solid ground. We may bend and sway, but we do not move. We need nothing because we have everything in Christ Jesus.
            As Paul reminds us in his letter to the Philippians, “I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need” (Philippians 4:11-12). What’s that secret? “I can do all things through Him [Christ] who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).     
            In every circumstance we need to focus on Christ. He is the secret to helping us endure good times and bad. When we’re rich or poor. When we’re happy or sad. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us, including being content.
Pastor Christopher