Because of Jesus
Studying what true contentment is.
And life is worth the living,
Just because He lives!
— Because He Lives by Bill & Gloria Gaither
In case you haven’t figured it out by now, I love music, especially uplifting and encouraging Christian music. One of my favorite Christian songs is “Because He Lives,” by Bill and Gloria Gaither. It is a beautiful song about how just knowing that Jesus rose from the dead gives us a reason to keep going in life through all the pain and joy that may come. Perhaps you know it.
But here is my question for you:
Are we singing this song truthfully?
Are we content with our lives just knowing that Jesus is alive?
If we’re being honest, we normally aren’t.
To truly be content, we think we need:
Jesus, and a new car . . .
Jesus, and a raise . . .
Jesus, and a bigger house . . .
Jesus, and better health . . .
Jesus, and [fill in the blank] . . .
We aren’t content. Otherwise, why are we always complaining and talking about how we just need a little bit more of whatever?
Here’s the thing: since we are Christians, Jesus should satisfy all our needs. But our selfish human nature gets in the way and tells us we need more than Jesus.
Yes, a new car would be nice. A raise might help us be able to afford better housing or healthier food. But what we have on earth will soon fade away, so don’t listen to that selfish human nature.
When you find yourself wanting more than what you have, or feeling that life just isn’t satisfactory in some way, shape, or form, remember these words of Paul:
“Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” — Philippians 4:11-13 KJV
That last verse of that passage is often taken out of context, but when taken in context we see that Christ strengthens us to be content. And with Christ, how could we not be content?
We might have poor physical health, but God has promised us an eternity with Him in Heaven free from all suffering and pain!
We might have less-than-desirable housing on earth, but living with God forever is much more wonderful!
We might find ourselves hungering and thirsting on earth, but Christ is the Living Bread and Water that satisfies all our spiritual hunger!
And best of all, Christ has freed us from our bondage to sin!
We don’t need earthly things to be content; we only need Jesus our Savior.
Let’s Pray:
Heavenly Father,
My attention is often grasped by the fleeting riches of this world. I imagine how much better my life would be with this house, or that car, or whatever. But I have Your Son as my Savior! Why should I want for anything when Christ satisfies my needs? Lord, give me a heart of contentment. Let me be thankful for what I have in Christ and not covet the things of the world. For truly, Lord, life is worth the living just knowing that Jesus lives!
In Jesus’ Holy Name I pray,
Amen
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