The Simple Things
Posted by: forthright <forthright@...>
Straight to the Cross
http://www.forthright.net
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Here's a thought that needs to be iced down.
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COLUMN: Field Notes
The Simple Things
by Michael E. Brooks
"Not that I speak in regard to need; for I have
learned in whatever state I am, to be content"
(Phil. 4:11).
Tastes vary, in regard to food and drink as well
as colors, fabrics, furniture, and cars. I am one
who enjoys my hot foods and beverages very hot,
and my cold ones very cold. One thing often
missing in remote corners of the world is ice and
refrigeration; therefore, a "sacrifice" I have
frequently had to make is drinking lukewarm water
or other beverages. This can be trying at times,
particularly in very hot weather and while walking
long distances.
A few years ago my son, Scott, and I spent two
weeks trekking in the Himalayas into remote
villages to preach. On our way to the mountains we
spent one night in a hotel in Sriya Brebensi
where we enjoyed the coldest Cokes I have yet
found in Nepal. Over the next two weeks we walked
for more than seven days, including two and a half
to get back to Sriya Brebensi after our last
preaching stop. Though it was late October in the
high mountains, daytime temperatures got into the
80's, and with rugged climbs we became very
hot and thirsty. Even before we started that last
trek, we recalled the cold drinks we had enjoyed
and began looking forward to them again. We
weren't echoing the rich man's "just a drop on my
tongue" (Luke 16:24). No, we wanted at least two
drinks each! And the sooner the better! When we
finally got back to the hotel we found the Cokes
just as cold as we remembered. Nothing ever tasted
any better!
It doesn?t take a lot to make one happy.
Especially if the needs are great and expectations
are not. We can be physically satisfied with very
little. It is our desire that causes trouble. Note
Paul's self-analysis in our text. "I have learned
... to be content." It is about our attitude. James
remarks upon the opposite nature:
"Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do
they not come from your desires for pleasure that
war in your members? You lust and do not have. You
murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and
war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask"
(James 4:1-2).
Contentment is not achieved with material
possessions, power, or fame. It is a blessing that
God gives as our reward for seeking his
righteousness. And it is usually perceived through
simple pleasures: a cold drink, a simple meal, the
smile on the face of one just baptized into
Christ. These bring a fulfillment and lasting
satisfaction that mere wealth can never achieve.
As Jesus said,
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for
righteousness, for they shall be filled" (Matt.
5:6).