CONTENTMENT SCRIPTURES
Phil. 2:14-15 Do all things without grumbling or disputing; so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world,
Acts 26:17b-18 ...to whom I am sending you, to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me.’
A grumble-free contented woman is
a bright reflection of God's glory in a dark world.
She knows:
- The God through Whom she can do all things. (Phil. 4:14)
- The God Who will complete in her the work He has begun. (Phil. 1:6)
- The God Who rejoices to do her good with all His heart and soul. (Jer. 32:41)
[Excerpted from Contentment: A Matter of the Heart
by Karen Horsey / Karen's Kreations]
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When I think of the verses above, I am reminded of the quote from J.R.R. Tolkien's classic trilogy (and movies of the same name) The Lord of the Rings, when Galadriel gives gifts to the Fellowship.
To Frodo she gives a small glass illuminated bottle and says: And for you, Frodo Baggins, I give you the light of Earendil our most beloved star. May it be a light to you in dark places when all other lights go out.
[For an interesting read on the biblical parallels of Lord of the Rings, check out Tolkien's Ordinary Virtues.]
We all have various spheres in which we live and talk with others...our families (both immediate and extended), online friends such as Facebook, neighbors who are close in proximity, church friends, business acquaintances, clubs & organizations, carpools, our children's young friends and their parents, blog friends, personnel in the shops and stores we visit...the list goes on and on of those we are in contact with in any given week. Often, relationships are shallow with a few dear deep friendships in the midst. But even in the shallowness, there is always an opportunity to give a little spiritual lightness to any conversation. Make the most of each opportunity both in sharing the gospel per se, and also in sharing the Good News of the true Light of the world. There is much deception and darkness / spiritual blindness all around us, even in some of our churches.
As we begin Passion Week, the remembrance in the Christian calendar of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem and the week during which He was betrayed, crucified, buried and resurrected, may we also be on the lookout for ways that we can each be a Light to others in the dark world in which we and our children live.
Matthew 5:16
“Let your light shine before men in such a way
that they may see your good works,
and glorify your Father Who is in heaven."
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