The Pursuit of Contentment

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

These words are among the most famous contained in the Declaration of Independence. Many people take the final part of the phrase, "the pursuit of Happiness", absolutely and fully to heart. After all, this is a "free" nation, and we have the right to pursue our own happiness, right?

Many pursue happiness in their job. You know that person who just can't seem to keep a job. These people toil along with a job for a while, but they soon tire with it and move onto the next great job. (cf. Matt. 6:19-20). Others pursue happiness in their relationships. Some guys and girls just can't seem to keep a boyfriend or girlfriend. There is always someone else that is better or more fun to be with. Sometimes this pursuit finds its way into marriages. Everyone has the right to be happy, don't they? This is the argument that is used to split many a marriage (cf. Mal. 2:16).

Paul has something interesting to say about the pursuit of happiness. Remember what Paul wrote the church in Philippi?

"…For I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Phil. 4:11-13)

Paul could be content. Does anyone remember what it means to be content? The American Heritage Dictionary defines the adjective for of the word as meaning "desiring no more than what one has; satisfied". The noun form of the word is defined as "something contained". One could make a case that being content in its whole refers to appreciating everything that one's life contains at the time.

Look back to the previous text. Remember where Paul was when he wrote this? Paul was imprisoned in Rome (cf. Phil. 1:12-16; Eph 6:20). If anyone was qualified to speak on this matter, it would be an imprisoned Paul. Look closely at what he says, though: he learned to be content. As with most people, impatience may have been a part of his nature. Paul instead fought that tendency, and learned to be content with whatever state he was in.

As Paul worked for the Lord, there were no doubt times that he experienced loss and need (cf. 2 Cor. 11:23-28). Despite his station in life, Paul knew how to be content. Paul knew where true strength and contentment came from. It did not come through pursuing happiness on this earth, but rather pursuing God and His will (Matt. 6:33). Paul found his contentment in working for the Lord. How about you?

“Rise Up and Build”

I just finished (well, I guess it was really last week) reading Neal Pollard's book Rise Up and Build. As the name suggests, it was a book about church growth. Or at least that's what I expected it to be. As I read the book, though, I was pleasantly surprised to find out what it really was.

This book is not just a book about growing in numbers but about growing together. There are many ideas and concepts that are brought up in the book that you know you know, and you know you should know, but you may have forgotten. The chapter that had the most impact on me was the chapter titled "Edification" (note: all of the chapter titles are alliterated and start with an "E"… very nice). Of course, one of those things that everyone knows but that sometimes we ignore or forget about is that growth begins from within (Eph. 4:16). If we don't start from within, how can we be teachers (cf. Heb. 5:12-14)?

Another point which I appreciate being handled (and is related to the above) is the difference between swelling and growing. Many congregations (if many of them still qualify as true congregations of the Lord's Church) adopt denominational ideas and practices. Even if they don't explicitly do something that a person could point to and say "AHA! You are erring!" they still have a denominational "feel". They have steered away from complete nutrition (meat and milk) and are on a liquid diet (milk only). Because of this they swell. We want to make sure that we grow. Just like with a bruise, the swelling will eventually go down. But, if a child grows to an adult, they will remain fairly constant in their size.

From a technical standpoint, the chapters are laid out very well. This book could be used for personal study, but is also set up to be used for Bible class. The "Application" section is very useful and helpful, along with the questions that are given to ponder on at the end of each chapter. Overall, I actually got about 20 sermon outline ideas. Not all of them are even related to church growth. Some of them are just plain old good Bible teaching.

I really enjoyed this relatively short read (only took about 3.5 hrs) and liked it enough to give it to one of our elders (reminding him of where the book belonged). I hope that you will pick it up at your local faithful Christian bookstore and read and enjoy it as much as I did.

"And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart." - Galatians 6:9 (NKJV)