Encouragement Page
24 July 2005

Sometime in life we are all looking for the missing 10%, hoping to be perfect, but life is never perfect and there’s no such thing as a 100% perfect life for mankind.

God wants us to obey His commandments but we are weak and we sin against God now and then. But despite our sinfulness, God still loves us and graciously waits for us to repent. If you have this quality of obedience, you would most likely be contented with what you have. “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).

All of us come into this world as a baby, and there was absolutely nothing that we brought with us, except our naked body. Through the grace of God we grow, labour and toil in studies and work; and suffer sorrows and pains in the course of our life. Human beings are sinful in nature since the beginning of mankind when God commanded Adam and Eve not to eat of the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden; but the serpent beguiled Eve to eat that which would make them wise and be like God. This resulted in the eternal curse upon mankind for disobedience.  True obedience affects the inward attitude to produce the outward act. Can anyone claim that he has the perfect right attitude and true faith in God?  The Bible tells us there is none except God.

In our society today, many people are not contented with what they have. They want to be like the world and many even live beyond their means to acquire what they want to have, to keep up with others, i.e. the 5c’s — car, cash, condominium, credit card and club membership; and many resort to the 6th c — covetousness. Can they sustain them? Few can but many cannot. Many have to work very hard to keep up with their lifestyles but they burn out in no time — all for the sake of keeping up with others. Some are living beyond their means. Many have committed all their incomes, including their CPF in housing, stocks and shares, etc, not caring what they would have left for “rainy days” and old age.  Then what would happen?  With our small family and high cost of living, can the one-child or two-children family afford to support their aging parents?  Most probably not!  Then what would be the outcome?  Depend on the state welfare which would by then become a big social problem. Most probably, and with the greying population, this will confront us in the very near future.

As children of God, are you contented with what you have or what the Lord has blessed you with? Or do you want to live like the world? The decision is yours. Be wise in your spending, and look to God for wisdom in the planning and management of your life and family.

Dear brethren, be not discouraged!  If you think you are poor, look at those who are less fortunate than you, and you would probably be comforted. But, if you look at the rich and wealthy, you may be very discouraged. Look to God as He has assured us to “be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD” (Ps 31:24).  If you are worried about your future, look to God and remember His Word which reminds us that “to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace” (Rom 8:6).  We should “let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful” (Col 3:15).

If you are lonely and discontented, remember Hebrews 13:5 “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”.  You should “humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you” (1 Pet 5:6–7).

If you are still dissatisfied with your present lot, humble yourself and look to God for wisdom and direction, and remember to be honest before Him. His Word reminds us that “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled” (Matt 5:6).  Our heart attitude is just as important to God as our outward actions. Our attitude determines the sincerity of our actions. Be honest in your attitude and actions, and let not your heart be far from Him.

Sincere obedience comes out of love; so what action or activity in your life needs a change to be obedient to God?  Pray about it and ask God to help you. Remember God’s promise to His children.  “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you” (Matt 7:7).

Are you contented?  May the Lord help us!

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