You often hear people speak of contentment. Oftentimes in the context of advice to one considered overtly materialistic and who in spite of having much in material things seem to be not only unhappy, but craves for even more. It could be someone whose idea of success is not being realised. Such a person is then advised to, “be content with what you have.” Such adviser too often uses the word contentment in a manner that suggests that a person should not strife or seek to improve his current situation even when such situation is not a pleasant one.
This is also how some see contentment: “be satisfy with your lot, good or bad. It is just your fate!” As such, these people do not want to have anything to do with contentment.
But is that what the bible teaches about being content, that a person should not try to be better or improve himself? I do not think so.
At the other end is the one who has much of the things of this world, the assumption is that such a one with much wealth should be content with his lot, but to those around, it is obvious such a wealthy person is far from being content. It would appear that both those who have abundance of, and those who are poor in material things are bitten by the bug of discontent indiscriminately. Even so called Christians are not left out.
What is your idea of being content or contentment? Do you think if you obtain that thing which you so desire (could be money, university degree, a plum job, a baby, become married, and whatever people use as excuse), you will then become content?
Many are so given to worries about what they lack or don’t have but crave, that they can neither appreciate nor enjoy what they have. Hearing the speech of some Christians you will think that the Lord is no more on the throne: they are always bemoaning their situation or the situation of another.
Life has gotten so unpleasant for some that by their words and actions they make life unpleasant for those around them as they never seem to see anything good in them. They are just not content with their situation and they lash out in all directions.
- Content: To appease the desires of. To limit (oneself) in requirements, desires, or actions.
- Contented: feeling or showing satisfaction with one’s possessions, status or situation.
- Hence, contentment is the quality or state of being contented.
Considering the considerable level of discontent amongst believers, it is not surprising, the word of God has much to say about being content or contentment. What is surprising is that in spite of what the Holy Bible says about being content, so many believers remain in discontentment.
But the believer in Christ is admonished to be content with what he has. True, the bible counsels the believer to “be content with such things as ye have” (Heb. 13:5). Further, the apostle Paul tells of his practical real life situation when he spoke on the matter of being content.
The apostle Paul in prison
The Apostle Paul with Silas and Timothy had founded the church in Philippi several years previously (Acts 16:12-40). The Philippian church though not so rich in material things have been quite supportive of the Apostle, sending him material support, for example, while in Thessalonica. But the Apostle had not heard anything from them for a while.
Now, the Apostle was in prison in Rome not for any crime committed but for preaching the gospel of Christ. While there in prison, the Philippian church sent him a present for his support. The Apostle is grateful and thankfully acknowledges their kindness to him (Phil 4:10-19). Philippians 4:11-13 speaks specifically of the apostle being content in his situation.
We read:
“11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:11-13).
Yes, the person speaking was an Apostle. He was writing from his prison cell (a terrible place to be in those days).
He said he was not speaking from being in need or want, that is, not from the absence of that which is necessary, needed or wanted. Because he has learned (from practical experience) that in whatever circumstances or situation he may be in to be content. He has learnt to be free from care or worry because of being pleased with what is already his own.
Contentment then is an uncomplaining acceptance of our share. It is a habit or permanent state of mind while satisfaction has to do with a particular instance of a thing or situation. Put another way, contentment is more inward than mere satisfaction.
Notice that this state of mind did not just happened. He learned it. Others can be what they want but this is what “I have decided for myself,” says the apostle to the gentiles! His varied situations and circumstances instructed him. He was a good student of his circumstances. Whether he had little, much or none, in comfort or discomfort: he truly knew how to have, not to have, and to suffer, all this while being a child of the living God, serving the risen Lord!
What was his experience from which he learned to be content? Scripture gives us some glimpses:
- “Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwelling place” (1Cor 4:11)
- “as sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.” (2Cor 6:10)
- “in weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.” (2Cor 11:27).
- “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (2Cor 12:9).
Could this be a practical occurrence of what Christ spoke concerning His followers? Still wondering what the Lord said? Wonder no more. Here it is:
“I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” (John 15:5).
Hence, when he is talking, the apostle knows what he is talking about.
Have you learned from your experience? Do you even allow your experience to teach you at all? Or you are full of grumbling and are grumpy most of the time bemoaning your “bad lot?”
He indeed recognised where the strength for his content and life of victory came from for he said:
“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Phil 4:13)
Have you observed that even as an apostle much used by God to further the gospel of Christ, he was not isolated from the experiences of ordinary human beings like you and me? So when the bible says: “Elijah was a man subject to like passions as we are” (Jam 5:17), yet he was much used of God, it is God in the life of the individual that makes for the big difference.
As Christ Himself said, “without me ye can do nothing.” (John 15:5). And further, we are informed that, “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” (Phil 2:13).
Nothing in you of itself makes you special. Stop deceiving yourself thinking you are some spiritual giant or connected to some power house of a person. Those are ego trips that eventually lead to ruin if not stopped.
Hear the word of God:
“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that you are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” (1Cor 10:13).
This should stop you thinking that something terrible or unheard of has happened to you. Or that you are the only one going through tough times even while you remain faithful to God.
Yes, I know how you thumb up your credentials in the face of God: I pay my tithes; I give offering generously, I attend every church program, I sow into the life of every man of God, I pray and fast, I even do not indulge in any sin etc. You are shouting at God: “What else do you want me to do?”
Better watch it and mind your language for you are talking to the sovereign God with whom “all things are possible” (Mark 10:27), and further, “every one of us shall give account of himself to God” (Rom 14:12).
You should by now have realised that, it is not the acquisition of big titles conferred on you by yourself or by others: bishop of bishops, voice of God for the moment or ego-boosting descriptions: spiritual giant, prayer caterpillar, and other bogus accolades, but having a relationship with the Lord and recognising His sovereignty over you and over all His creation that is important.
The year is moving on and many of the falsehood the false prophets have declared are already falling apart: “The year of enlargement” “The year the gentiles will pour their wealth into your lap” “The year of breakthrough after sowing dangerously” “The year of the king”, “The year that all sufferings will end” and other such nonsense that the gullible continue to fall for.
All the while the false prophets and false teachers and their ilk continue to smile as they receive the alert of bountiful harvest of money in their accounts. Better stop fearing them which are trying to kill your body by taking all your substance through subterfuge and stealth of men, but fear God.
Yes:
“fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell” (Mat 10:28).
Hear and obey the word of God that says you should:
“henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive.” (Eph. 4:14).
Now, about the apostle’s practice of being content.
He said:
“11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” (Phil 4:11).
“11 Not that I speak in respect of want: That is I am not speaking out of some lack or deficiency; I am not saying this because of the absence of that which is necessary, needed or wanted by me.
for I have learned: I have learnt by experience, or by the things I have been through. I have experiences from which I have learnt things.
in whatsoever state: any circumstances or situation. Whatever my circumstances may be.
I am, therewith: with it; even with that state
to be content: contentment, being free from care or worry because of being pleased with what is already your own. Contentment is more inward than satisfaction.
In this verse, the apostle says that he had learnt from practical experience that whatever may be his situation or circumstance, even in that state, to be content or be free from worry or care because of being pleased or satisfied with what he has. In other words, when he had much and was comfortable, he was content but was not controlled by the abundance. And when he lacked basic needs, or was in physical bodily and emotional pain or was in danger for his life, or was in the worst adverse situation, even when he despaired, he was not discontented. Rather, he remain contented.
Some questions to consider
- Are you in discontent? Why?
- Do you have Christ as your Lord and Saviour? Really?
- Check your relationship with the Lord now! Please, be sincere with yourself.
- Do you think you will be content when you acquire what you think you lack but crave?
- Do you think those who have in abundance what you lack but crave are content?
- What evidence do you have for your conclusion?
Contentment in an uncomplaining acceptance of our share. Contentment is a habit or permanent state of mind while satisfaction has to do with a particular instance of a thing or situation
I have learned: I (others can be what they want but this is what I have decided for myself)
“12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.” (Phil 4:12).
12 I know both how to be abased:
abased: made of lower rank, office, or prestige.
To live in circumstances regarded to be characteristic of low status. I know how to be of no reputation or a “nobody” or have a lack or insufficiency.
and I know how to abound: to have more than enough; or to be held in high esteem or have authority.
everywhere and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need
abound and to suffer need: Whatever the circumstances or event may be I am taught how to respond appropriately. Whatever my circumstance, I am able to withstand it and come out tops.
Whatever the circumstances may be I have been there, and have been up to it, and came out tops with my relationship with my Lord being glorified all the while.
“13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Phil 4:13).
13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
What he is saying is that: His sufficiency is from the Lord who is able to supply whatever he needed for each and every situation. This is how and why he has survived every manner of circumstances whatsoever.
This verse of Scripture is often misused:
It is not saying that whatever a Christian does he will succeed in it or that a Christian can do just anything, like a person who never learnt how to pilot a plane being able to fly a plane, or one who never trained as a doctor wanting to practice as a doctor because “he can do all things because Christ will strengthen and give him knowledge!”
Rather, it is that Christ sustains the believer through all circumstances. His promise is I will be with you till the end of the age, and I will never leave you, nor forsake you (Mat 28:20; Heb. 13:5).
This speaks of the believer who knows what it is to be strengthened with might by the Spirit in the inner man (Eph. 3:16).
So, don’t go and dabble into a business you don’t know anything about, and refuse to learn what you need to know to do it properly, and expect God to “just do it for you” Or to just do little or nothing and get rich quickly because you can do all things….
God is not an immoral God, rather, He is a just God. He will bless the works of your hand that are in keeping with His character, but not your laziness, ignorance or presumption!!!
The apostle believed in the sovereignty and providence of God for and in all circumstances. So should all true Christians too.
Contentment in an uncomplaining acceptance of our share.
Contentment is a habit or permanent state of mind while satisfaction has to do with a particular instance of a thing or situation
It comes from believing in the sovereignty and providence of God for and in all circumstances
Contentment is not complacency, not fatalism, and not licence for laziness!
However, please know that contentment is not the same as passive resignation to a situation. Contentment is not fatalism. Contentment is not pandering to the philosophy of “whatever will be will be”.
Contentment is never a licence to not strife to be the best you can become. Rather, contentment allows you to be at peace with yourself, others, and God in your current circumstances believing that God is there with you and will enable everything to work out for your good, and His glory.
Contentment enables you to annex and use the energy you would have used complaining and throwing tantrum against yourself, everyone around you, and even God, to continue to do your best in the current circumstances as you believe God for both progress and victory. Contentment enables you to have the levelheadedness to sincerely and critically evaluate your situation, deduce what you can do in the light of what is within your means, and what God would do, and to be at peace with that. Contentment enables you to forget the past, to ever push strenuously towards the mark of your high calling in Christ.
In contentment, there is no room or place for laziness, complacency, presumption or fatalism. Only that as you continue your life of faith in obedience under the sovereign reign of the Lord, you continue to do what you are able to do to the best of your ability, as God works out what is best for you according to the counsel of His own will.
As can be seen in the life of the apostle, though content, he did not fold his hand sitting in a corner expecting God to do everything by instant miracle. Rather, being content, he applied himself vigorously and diligently to his ministry and calling working hard and to the best of his ability, all the while believing that God was with him and ordering his steps. All believers including you should behave likewise.
But note, if you are not content, then you are discontented
There are many things contentment is opposed to, and few are mentioned below.
Contentment is opposed to:
Worry (Mat 6:25, 34)
Mat 6:25: “Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?”
Mat 6:34: “Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.”
When you are content, you will not worry. Not worrying will not because you have no problem or you solve all your problems, but because you recognise the sovereignty of God over your life.
Murmuring (1Cor 10:10)
1Cor 10:10: “Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.”
When you are content, you will not murmur. Resting in the sovereign reign of God over your life, you will take your problems and challenges and aspirations to Him in prayer, and with thanks giving. Knowing that God cares for you, you will take your needs to Him (1Pet 5:7).
Greed (Heb. 13:5)
Heb. 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.”
Your lifestyle (conversation) should be without greediness or inordinate material acquisitiveness. You should not live like the rich fool (Luke 12:16-21). This man imagined that after acquiring more than enough for a lifetime of luxury, he would just fold his hands doing nothing for the rest of his life. In his thinking, he left out ay desire to help fellow human beings in need, and God who would have made everything available and possible.
Envy (Jam 3:16)
Jam 3:16: “For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.”
Envy is a serious and dangerous thing. It can lead to other equally serious sins like murder.
For example:
Out of envy, the brothers of Joseph sold him into slavery (cf. Gen 37:4, 11, 28; Ps 105:17; Acts 7:9).
Envy was part of the reason the chief priests and elders had delivered up the Lord Jesus Christ to be crucified (Mat 27:18; Mark 15:10).
All of these (worry, murmuring, greed, envy, and many more), are sinful attitudes that spring from discontentment from an evil heart of unbelief.
Check yourself by the word of God now to see if you are in discontent or not. Do you have any of these that contentment is opposed to?
Contentment does not come from neither does it consist of abundance or lack of materials
But what determines contentment? Does it depend on circumstances, church or country?
There are many people who think that contentment comes from whatever they crave to have. They tended to crave for more of the things they have, or pine for the things they lack. The unfortunate thing is that they soon discover that having what they crave brings no contentment. For as soon as they have what they crave, they want more and even more and are never satisfied. Having abundance of something does not bring contentment.
Hence, dissatisfaction, discouragement and division are often symptoms of discontentment in the lives of people.
Contentment must thus be equated with confidence in the sovereignty of the only true and living, great I AM over His creation.
You are to be content because the believer in Christ is commanded to be content
But contentment is expected of the believer in Christ in all circumstances. And because it is commanded by the Holy Scriptures, it is thus attainable. Hence some of the specific situations in the life of the believer where being content is commanded, and can be demonstrated are:
- With his wages (Luke 3:14);
- In spite of his circumstances as here (Phil 4:11);
- With food and raiment (1Tim 6:8) and
- With the things he has (Heb. 13:5).
Again, remember that, since contentment is commanded of the believer, it must be attainable; and discontentment is a manifestation of unbelief.
So if you lack contentment, how do you become a contented person?
How to be content: Learn to be content
The apostle and many other believers learnt to be content. This then means to be content is not automatic. You don’t become content just because you have become a Christian. As the apostles and other believers before you have learnt, so can you and other believers now lean to be content too. For contentment is a learned behaviour.
So, start taking the necessary actions now to move towards being content. Do this as taught by the Word of God:
Many believers are too intertwined, too closely associated with the world that without knowing they are living by the standards and values of the world. This is made worse by there being many unbelievers within the church of God. So it is difficult for those who are not discerning to know what to do. The believer needs to retrace his steps and come back to the ways of God. The word of God offers us how to do the essential things to be content as God commands us believers:
Let us see the steps in Psalm 1:1-3 as template:
Separation (not segregation) from the world.
The children of God are in the world but are not of the world. We live in the world and interact with it. We are surrounded by unbelievers wherever we turn and the unbeliever will not let you be, but makes efforts in various ways to make you conform to his ways. Hence there is great need for the believer to learn how to rightly relate with the world without being conformed to its ways.
The more you relate closely to the world the more you copy their ideas, values and standards. Therefore, unless Christians are rightly related to the world, they will never have contentment in their souls.
The Christian is to be separated from the world.
Psalm 1:1: “Blessed is the man That walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor standeth in the way of sinners, Nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.”
From this Ps 1:1, biblical separation means:
- To reject the counsel of the ungodly
- To reject the company of sinners and
- To reject the contempt of the scornful
Having been saved by the grace of God through faith, the Christian no longer closely associates with nor follows sinners to do evil. He does not stand in the congregation of sinners.
Become saturated with the word of God.
Ps 1:2: “But his delight is in the law of the Lord; And in his law doth he meditate day and night.” You turn from the world, and turn to God and the word of God.
The contented Christian is characterised by being saturated with the word of God as indicated in this verse: (Ps 1:2). His view of life springs from the Word of God. His delight is in the teachings of the bible.
He makes deliberate efforts to know the word, and delights (enjoys) in doing that. He deliberates on its truths day and night, reading, listening and meditating on its words.
In meditation, you call the word of God to mind, think over it, dwelling on and applying it to yourself, the various things you are learning and knowing about the works, ways, purposes and promises of God.
Such saturation with the Scriptures is the secret to contentment in the soul.
Such a one becomes “like a tree planted by the rivers of water” (Ps 1:3). The believer who is content is like a tree planted by the rivers of water.
Believers are told of the Holy Spirit by the Lord Himself this way:
“He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water……” (John 7:38-39).
The believer thus carries the presence of God in the person of the Holy Spirit who resides within him always.
Thus, rivers of water is a wonderful picture of the Holy Spirit. With the Holy Spirit within the believer, God’s supply of grace is constant and inexhaustible. And fruitfulness will come in its due season.
Finally, personal contentment in a person results in proper perspectives, priorities and progress.
Hence, “Godliness with contentment is great gain” (1Tim. 6:6).
Again remember that: Contentment in an uncomplaining acceptance of our share.
Contentment is a habit or permanent state of mind while satisfaction has to do with a particular instance of a thing or situation.
Contentment comes from believing in the sovereignty and providence of God for and in all circumstances
Biblical contentment is demonstrable
Please bear in mind that as you make progress, you will begin to show your contentment by recognizing:
Your unworthiness (Gen 32:9-10).
Nothing we get from God is due to our merit but is because of the grace of God. As you recognise your unworthiness in the sense that you realise that whatever you have is not a payback for some good thing you have done for God, you are humbled and in your humility, you appreciate the grace of God towards you even more.
The object of your trust (Hab. 3:17-19)
Who are you trusting? Your ability or connections? You learn not to put your trust in ability or connections.
As you reflect more on your attitude and activities, you become aware of the basis from where you operate, that is, whom you are putting your trust as you carry out your daily activities. It becomes more apparent to you that the more you know God’s word, the more you put your trust in Him, and the more the things of the world begin to loose their ability to attract and entice you. Hence, you begin to trust God more explicitly and implicitly.
Rather than trusting yourself or other things, you begin to trust God whatever the circumstances may be (Hab. 3:17-19):
Hab. 3:17-19: “17 Although the fig tree shall not blossom, Neither shall fruit be in the vines; The labour of the olive shall fail, And the fields shall yield no meat; The flock shall be cut off from the fold, And there shall be no herd in the stalls: 18 Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. 19 The Lord God is my strength, And he will make my feet like hinds’ feet, And he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments.”
God’s care of us (Ps 145:7-21; 1Pet 5:7)
“Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” (1Pet 5:7).
Your cares (the things you need, desire and crave) cling to you tenaciously demanding to be attended to. Their power over you can be very overwhelming. That is why desires that are not met lead to worry and fear.
As you realise that it is God that is able to meet your needs, and as you learn to separate needs from greed and covetousness, you begin to loose your appetite for acquisition for acquisition’s sake. You begin to recognise, acknowledge, appreciate, and be more thankful for God’s care.
God has given His Son for us. He will not withhold any good thing from us. So you cast your cares upon Him. You just know things will be alright just because God is there for you!
God’s provisions (1Tim 6:6-8).
1Tim 6:6-8: “6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.”
It becomes easier for you to recognise what actually are your needs as opposed to your desires and wants that you can actually do without. You begin to see that many of the things you crave are not as important as you had thought them to be, and the oppressive power of your cravings begin to wane.
And you begin to be aware that in reality, your needs are being met through God’s provisions.
God’s Promises (Heb. 13:5)
Heb. 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.”
Faith is not “just believe anyway!” Rather, faith has something very tangible, very real to hold on to, that is, the very word of God.
Abraham, commonly referred to as the father of faith did not just believe out of thin air. But he heard the voice of one he recognised as God, believed and obeyed. Similarly, all believers, including you reading this, are to believe in the word of God.
Remember we instructed thus, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Rom 10:17).
And the truth is,
“22It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. 23They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.” (Lam 3:22-23).
God has proved Himself to be reliable and trustworthy over the ages. Trust Him for He never fails.
Lastly, again remember that:
Ø Contentment in an uncomplaining acceptance of our share.
Ø It comes from believing in the sovereignty and providence of God for and in all circumstances
Again, hear the apostle:
“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).
Let us make every effort to emulate the apostle in this noble virtue of being content.
But do remember:
Contentment comes from being in Christ with God reigning sovereignly over your life as you walk in obedience to His will. It is a learned behaviour. The experiences of life, the word or God and the power of the Holy Spirit enables the believer to continue in this school throughout life.
Dissatisfaction, discouragement and division are often symptoms of discontentment.
Contentment is opposed to sinful attitudes that spring from discontentment from an evil heart of unbelief, some of which are namely: Worry (Mat 6:25, 34); Murmuring (1Cor 10:10); Greed (Heb. 13:5); and Envy (Jam 3:16). Hence, discontentment is a manifestation of unbelief while to be content is a manifestation of a faith in God.
Contentment is expected of the believer in Christ in all circumstances, and because it is commanded by the Holy Scriptures, it thus attainable.
Being content is a learned behaviour (Ps 1:1-3). First disengage or separate not segregate from the world. Turn completely to God. Become Saturated with the Word of God. Personal contentment results in proper perspectives, priorities and progress.
As you make progress, you will begin to show your contentment by recognizing: Your unworthiness (Gen 32:9-19); the object of your trust (Hab. 3:17-19); God’s care of you (Ps 145:7-21; 1Pet 5:7); God’s provision (1Tim 6:6-8); and God’s promises (Heb. 13:5).
But are you a believer in Christ? Is the Lord Jesus Christ your Saviour and your Lord?
Please, understand that the above refers to a person who has made peace with God through believing in the work of Christ on the cross. A person who has been saved through faith by grace through the Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth.
You cannot begin to talk of being content outside of Christ.
It does not matter how much of the world you acquire and by whatever means, you will never be content without Christ being your Lord and Saviour. Any semblance of contentment will be a mirage, simply put, a shadow that fades as the sun of temporary gratification that brought it sets unexpectedly.
If you do not belong in this group, that is, if Jesus Christ is not yet your Saviour and Lord, you have no part in Christ yet.
A Christ-less life is a crises-filled, hell-heading life on a brakeless but fast-moving vehicle.
You need to get out of that vehicle now before it is too late, and it crashes headlong into hell.
So, you should act fast and NOW: Repent, that is, change your mind about what you think of God, Christ, sin and the purpose in life.
Perhaps you are wondering what to do; thinking “how do I become born again?”
The Scriptures say that:
- “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).
This means that in God’s opinion, we fall short of His standard.
- “For the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23).
Our sin has earned a deserved wage which is death or separation from God in Hell.
- “But God commendeth His love towards us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).
Even in our sin, God continued to show us His love and demonstrated this love by sending Jesus Christ to die on the cross for us. He thus gave Jesus Christ to the whole world (John 3:16).
- There is only One step that must be taken:
- “If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” (Rom 10:9-10).
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:13).
All that appropriate the sacrifice of Christ are acceptable to Him. For He Himself extended the invitation to all:
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Mat 11:28-30).
Why don’t you confess the Lord Jesus Christ NOW?
How you ask? Step 5
- Arise now and confess with your mouth that the Lord Jesus had come in the flesh and died for your sins, confess that He is now your Saviour and Lord, and, believe in your heart that God had raised Him from the dead. Confess your sins to the Lord now. That is what it means (and for want of a better way to say it), to accept Jesus Christ as your Saviour and your Lord.
If you have done that sincerely, then you are now a born-again child of God, follower of Christ. It is not about what or how you feel, but what the word of God says. Still saying you need help as to what to pray?
You may pray like this:
Dear Lord Jesus, I now know, accept, and confess that I am a sinner. I deserve to pay the penalty for my sins, but realize that I don’t have the means to pay. I accept, and confess that You came to the world and died in my place and thus paid for my sins. I believe in my heart that God had raised you from the dead. From this moment, I put my trust in You as my Saviour and my Lord. I will continue to Trust in, Depend on, and Obey You in everything for the rest of my life. Thank you my Saviour and my Lord. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.
That is it!
Again, I repeat: If you have done that sincerely, then you are now a born-again child of God, follower of Christ. It is not about what or how you feel, but what the word of God says. You are now a born-again bona fide child of God.
CONGRATULATIONS!!!
- But please understand that becoming born-again is the beginning of a New You in a New Life.
- It is the beginning of an eternal relationship with the Triune God.
- It is the beginning of a life-long journey of faith in and with the Lord Jesus Christ, and in company of other believers in Christ.
- To continue earnestly on your New journey, and to nurture and grow in your relationship with the Lord, I encourage you to start along with the following:
- Look for a bible-believing church around you to be attending.
- Fellowship with other believers as you have opportunity
- Pray daily for others and for yourself.
- Read your bible daily asking for the Holy Spirit to explain the word of God to you.
- Witness to others about Jesus Christ
May our God guide and uphold you in Jesus’ name, Amen.