I’m not sure where the notion started that Christians are supposed to have an easy, prosperous life. Those first-century followers of Jesus knew that their declaration that Jesus is Lord would mark them for death. They knew they could lose everything, including their family, home, and job.

There are those in other countries today who face that same problem. They know that openly declaring that Jesus is Lord will cost their jobs and cause them to be ostracized by their families. They will lose everything, yet they choose Christ.

I think this verse is written for us who don’t face that blatant cost, though. I think we need to recognize that having the cars we want, the house we want, the money we want is blessing of the Lord while at the same time realizing that NOT having those things is not something to be ashamed of.

God sets us up in a mission field. He provides a workplace where we are to share Jesus in word and deed. He gives us a family and community where our light is to shine. Sometimes the prosperity and acclaim we want would remove us from that mission field before it’s time, so God keeps us there.

What would happen if instead of comparing ourselves to the people serving that mission field we became content to serve in this one God has us in? What would happen if people saw us pushed around, belittled and ridiculed for our faith, but still we love and serve those trying to crush us? Would they perhaps see Jesus and choose Him over self?

Would our hearts become more pliable to hear His voice? Would our anxieties and shame be eradicated because we no longer see ourselves as failures as Christians?

Today is the perfect day to decide: will I serve God by being content where He has me with the blessings He provides me or will I serve self by trying to be someone other than who He called me to be?

Coffee, Bible, Journal.

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