Section 12

Christian Growth and Experience

Chapter 128.

Contentment

1. WHAT does the apostle say is great gain?
"But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we
brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out." 1 Tim. 6:6,7.

2. With what are we exhorted to be content?
"Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." Heb. 13:5. "And having food and raiment let us be therewith content." 1 Tim. 6:8.

3. Concerning what does Christ tell us not to be anxious?
"Be not therefore anxious, saying, What shall we eat? or,
What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? For after all these things do the Gentiles seek; for your Heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things." Matt. 6:31,32, R. V.

NOTE.-"Live not in careful suspense." Luke 12:29, margin.

4. What evils befall those who are determined to be rich?
"But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows." 1 Tim. 6:9,10.

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5. By what illustrations did Christ teach contentment?
"Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls? . . . Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. If then God so clothe the grass, which is today in the field, and tomorrow is cast into the oven; how much more will He clothe you, O ye of little faith?" Luke 12:24-28.

6. What lesson in contentment did Paul say he had learned?
"I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content." Phil. 4:11.

7. What ancient promise should lead to contentment?
"While the earth remaineth, seed-time and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease." Gen. 8:22.

8. Upon whom should we cast all our care?
"Casting all your care upon Him [God]; for He careth for you." 1 Peter 5:7.

NOTES.-"Contentment produces, in some measure, all those effects which the alchemist usually ascribes to what he calls the philosopher's stone. If it does not bring riches, it does the same thing by banishing the desire for them. If it cannot remove the disquietudes arising from a man's mind, body, or fortune, it makes him easy under them."- Addison."
A contented mind sees something good in everything,-fair weather in every wind, blessings in every storm.
"If we cannot get what we like, we should try to like what we get."
"There is no malady more severe than habitual discontent."-  Fleming.
"If you cannot frame your circumstances in accordance with your wishes, frame your will in harmony with your circumstances."- Epictetus.
"A contented mind is a continual feast."

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GOD holds the future in His hand,
O heart of mine, be still!
His love will plan the best for thee,
The best, or light or dark it be:
Then rest ye in His will.

God holds the future in His hand,
Why should I shrink or fear?
Through every dark and cloudy day-
Yea, all along my pilgrim way-
His love will bless and cheer.

God holds the future in His hand,
And I can trust His love.
The past declares His faithfulness;
His eye will guide, His heart will bless.
Till I am safe above.
 

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