In which ‘tent’ do you live? Unless you are mentally out of sorts with reality, unbalanced in your thinking, or somewhat of a masochist that gains gratification from pain, deprivation, degradation, etc., which is inflicted or imposed on oneself either as a result of one’s own actions or the actions of others, most people desire contentment over discontentment. Who in their right mind would rather be miserable than happy?
A person’s actions and lifestyle reveal the tent in which they dwell. The glimmer of worldly pleasure and the glitter of earthly treasures seem to outshine heavenly treasures of God’s untold riches, because people choose to interact with sin more so than righteousness, thus, experiencing a life that is discontent.
I’m not so naïve that I don’t recognize that sin gives pleasure for a season, but the bottom-line reality of sinning spells: DISCONTENT. I am well aware that the enjoyment of this world brings certain highs and moments of ecstasy from time to time, but the longevity of their enticement quickly fades. They are short lived.
When a person ceases or refuses to look upon the face of Jesus, and allows their eyesight to become enthralled with sinful pleasure, they soon find their world turning upside down. Their topsy-turvy lifestyle speaks loudly the growing discontent that affects a wide range cross-section of their life. It is filled with dissension and regrets.
Some people are deceived with the notion that all that is required to be content is following the crowd and let nature take its course—“If it feels good then do it,” is their motto. Nothing could be further from the truth. Satan is a liar and seeking whom he may devour. For this reason we must place our allegiance in Jesus.
Natural instincts can become stumbling blocks when yielding to their deceptive overtones. They become the under-toe that will erode an unreliable foundation of sinking sand; a riptide that is most difficult to escape its powerful influence. When we fix our eyes upon Jesus, the things of this world fade, while we become content in God’s love that permeates our innermost being.
(Hebrews 12:1-2), “…let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,” vs.2 “looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
The hymn that was written by Helen H. Lemmel, in 1922, said it quite well when she wrote the words and music of “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus.” The words in the chorus are these: “Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace.”
The Bible says that we are to abstain from sin and present our bodies to Christ. When doing so, we remain content, because we know our relationship with God is on a solid foundation and not sinking sand.
(Romans 12:1), “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.”
A person that willfully continues in self-destructive behavior, without regard to the consequences of sin, is only fooling themselves. Their defiance will sooner or later catch up with them. There is a day coming when everyone will give an account for the deeds done in this flesh. If we yield to self-will and disobedience to God’s Word, we ourselves establish our destination after passing from this life.
(Galatians 6:7-8), “Do not be deceived; God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.” vs.8 “For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.”
I am content in knowing that my sins are forgiven, because Jesus Christ died on a cross and shed His precious blood for me—not only me, but for all mankind. All we need to do is tell him that we are discontent with the lack of true peace in our life and invite Him into our heart, because He is the Prince of Peace.
(Romans 10:9-10), “that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” vs.10 “For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”
(Romans 3:23 ), “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”
(Revelation 3:20-21), “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.” vs.21 “To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.”
Written by,
Papa Boyd
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