The Power of Discontentment

 

Oscar Crawford

Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. Philippians 4 vs 11

The power of discontent troubles the majority of humanity across the global community of Planet Earth.  People discontented with their financial circumstances struggle to survive without things that are necessary for life; decent, safe, and sanitary housing, clothing, water, and food.

Examples of nations living out the power of discontentment include the first world nations attempting to maintain control over the rest of the world through economics and weapons of war. Developing nations respond with the power of their own discontentment through acts of eXtreme violence.

First world nations include the nations of Western Europe, The United States, China, Russia, and other nations sharing similar interests and common alliances. The Undefined Islamic State, the nations of Iran, North Korea, Syria, and other discontented nations in alliance assert they will no longer be dominated, controlled, or constrained by first world nations.

Examples of individuals living out the power of discontentment include a Republican Contender for the Office of President critiqued for speaking his mind on issues, domestic terrorists bombing the Murrow Building in Oklahoma City, bombing the Boston Marathon, murders at Ft. Hood, and murders at military recruiting stations in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

The power of discontentment in many families prompts domestic violence. Spouses act out over not getting the attention they want. Children act out in violence at schools with drugs and guns. Disgruntled and fired employees return to workplaces to kill coworkers. The end result for many is literal suicide or suicide by cop.

Is there a response to eXtreme violence? How can the hard working people of the world concerned about providing for safety and security for their families find contentment in a discontented and troubled world? Can we all find comfort and contentment when much around us is an environment of chaos, violence and suffering?

The encouragement of the Apostle jailed for his beliefs writes to the many his influences reaches and tells them what works for him.  He says in paraphrase, “My reality should suggest that I am a man most miserable but I am not.

“In fact, I have been beaten, shipwrecked, and treated with eXtreme violence by my own countrymen. I   am a citizen of two nations and neither benefits me. No one is offering to pay a ransom for my freedom. In fact, I will likely die very soon because I am clear about who I am, whose I am, and for what I believe.

I am a Christian. I follow the ways of Christ who called me to share the good news with marginalized people everywhere I go. I have given my best to what the Lord Jesus called me to do.

My peace does not come from my circumstances. My peace comes from knowing that it is does not matter whether or not I am rich or poor, hungry or well fed, free or in prison about to be executed. My peace comes from knowing Jesus, the Christ gave his all for me and all to him I owe.”

In this I have found the ability to say to all of you whatever you are going through, “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.”