Instructions for Moms - Part 5

Here we go with Part 5 in a series on instructions for moms from truths found in the Bible.
Part 1-Be humble and recognize you can't do it on your own,
Part 2-but you can through Christ because He is sufficient.
Part 3-So seek Him with all of your heart,
Part 4-and let the word of Christ dwell in you richly

NOTE: most of the content in Part 5 on being content comes from my brother Isaac and his work in preparing for this year's theme at Camp Shetek. Thanks Ike! I appreciate what you taught me in this area!

-Part 5-

-then be content-

Listen to Paul in Philippians 4:11-13 - for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. ¹²I 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. ¹³I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

Charles Spurgeon explains this well in his morning devotion from February 16 –

“These words show us that contentment is not a natural propensity of man. “Ill weeds grow apace.” Covetousness, discontent, and murmuring are as natural to man as thorns are to the soil. We need not sow thistles and brambles; they come up naturally enough, because they are indigenous to earth: and so, we need not teach men to complain; they complain fast enough without any education. But the precious things of the earth must be cultivated. If we would have wheat, we must plough and sow; if we want flowers, there must be the garden, and all the gardener’s care. Now, contentment is one of the flowers of heaven, and if we would have it, it must be cultivated; it will not grow in us by nature; it is the new nature alone that can produce it, and even then we must be specially careful and watchful that we maintain and cultivate the grace which God has sown in us. Paul says, “I have learned ... to be content;” as much as to say, he did not know how at one time. It cost him some pains to attain to the mystery of that great truth. No doubt he sometimes thought he had learned, and then broke down. And when at last he had attained unto it, and could say, “I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content,”

Or how about Joseph…

Joseph was hated by his siblings, beaten, thrown into a pit, sold to be a slave, thrown in prison, and yet you never read of him complaining. You read in Genesis 41:38 Pharaoh describing Joseph as this: So Pharaoh asked his officials, “Can we find anyone else like this man so obviously filled with the spirit of God?” I can’t picture Pharaoh saying that about Joseph if Joseph was a complainer, a “why me?” kind of guy. I think Joseph was content. Though he had every reason to complain and become angry at God, we read in Genesis 39:21 that Joseph knew “That the LORD was with him and extended kindness to him, and gave him favor”. When he finally was reunited with his brothers, he wasn’t revengeful.

Genesis 50:19-21 - But Joseph said to them, "Don't be afraid. Am I in the place of God? ²⁰ You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. ²¹ So then, don't be afraid. I will provide for you and your children." And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.

He was content in each situation and trial he was in because he trusted in God’s sovereignty and plan for his life.

As a mother and the trials you face daily, do you trust God? Are you learning to be content? Do you complain? Would people describe you as content?

If you aren't content, what message are you sending to your kids? Aren't you really saying you don't trust God and what He has for your life? Do you believe He is sovereign over all things?

I think one way to help you learn to be content is to be thankful.

and that's next time...And be thankful