Happitude

It seems today that everyone is screaming for their rights. Or is it only a certain type of person? I find it hard to believe that you can scream and be happy at the same time. Clearly there are cases of injustice, where screaming may be necessary. But for some people it’s all “me, me, me”, and this doesn’t bode well for happiness. Such people come across as the permanently aggrieved and outraged. It’s as if they have to be complaining about something all the time. It’s as if they only care about themselves and not what other people want. I think these must be very unhappy people.

There is an antidote to this attitude and it is contentment. I say again, this is not referring to matters of injustice, it’s about a sense of entitlement, a feeling that the world owes you and you’re going to scream until it takes notice. That’s what toddlers do! Contentment seems to be a lost art. I know what it’s like to moan all the time – it’s not a fun place to be and it’s not attractive to others. Who wants to be around a whinger except other whingers? 

Here’s what the Apostle Paul had to say on that subject: “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I 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. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Paul attributed this ability to be content to his relationship with Christ. By seeing everything in that context, he was able to go with the flow of life on earth, knowing it is transitory and he was looking forward to better things. 

Contentedness on earth is a thing to be treasured. This doesn’t mean you can’t strive for improvement or betterment. Of course you can. It does mean not being overwhelmed by setbacks. And it means improving yourself for the benefit of others, too. If we are navigating our way through that complex matter of God’s will, we will not see setbacks as of necessity bad things. It comes down to trust. Trusting that in all things God is working for your good. This will mean ultimately laying aside “me, me, me” and focussing on Him.

(Check out 1 Corinthians 9 and see how Paul positively gave up his rights to further the gospel.)