I read today in Phil.4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. Verse 12 says I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound… I think that is my biggest struggle: contentment. I believe we all struggle with this, but especially in the ministry. So many pastors and preachers judge each other’s churches by the attendance, or the missions program, or the offerings, or, well you see what I mean. Therefore, if the attendance is low, or the offering is low, or the number out soul winning is low, etc. we feel as though there is something wrong with us. This leads to dissatisfaction and discontentment. I wrote in an earlier post about “the grass is greener syndrome” as I call it. It’s whene I look over somewhere else and think life would be better over there. Well, for me, feeling that the grass is greener elsewhere usually begins with dissatisfaction with our church – either the people or the actual number of people! Shame on me. The Bible says in II Cor. 10:12 For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. The Bible says it’s wrong to compare ourselves with ourselves. I mean, we are all imperfect, so of course, I might be better than another sinner, for a moment! But I’ll never look to Jesus and say “Yep. I’m like Him alright.” At least, not if I’m honest!!It’s so easy to compare ourselves with another pastor, or pastor’s wife and so forth. I’ll tell you the truth, I fight it. I fight wanting to build myself up by saying to myself “I’m better than Mrs. So and So, and my husband is better than Pastor so and so.” The Bible says that’s wrong. Those that “commend themselves” as the verse says, are only proud of what they do because they have the wrong standard to measure to. If we are all honest with ourselves, and look to Jesus as our standard, then of course, we fall short. He is who we need to measure up to! That will take a lifetime of work, and even then, we won’t be perfect like Jesus. However, we’ll come closer than if we don’t try at all.
Sometimes I get unhappy or discontented, but it’s only when I look at others. When I look to Jesus, He reminds me of the many blessings He’s given me. And as the song says: “Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in his wonderful face, and the things of earth (like attendance, people’s weaknesses, money) will grow strangely dim, in the light of His wonderful face.” That does it. When I look to Him, nothing else matters.
I may never be in a “large” church. I may never have any extra money. But that’s OK. I cannot say with Paul that” I have learned to be content”. I’ll have to say ” I am learning to be content”. In the same chapter of Philippians, Paul says in verse 13 “I can do all things through Christ which strentheneth me.” Through Him, I can learn to be content. So I’ll look to Him as my standard of living, and I’ll look to Him to help me look to Him!