We have to paint the pictures ourselves!
(J.R. Miller, "Evening Thoughts" 1907)
the circumstances. I know what it is
to be in need, and I know what it is
to have plenty. I have learned the secret
of being content in any and every situation,
whether well fed or hungry, whether living
in plenty or in want." Philippians 4:11-12
We are always at school.
Our business here on earth, is to learn.
The Christian virtues and graces are
not put into our lives, as one hangs
up pictures on the wall of a room--
finished and perfect in their beauty.
Rather, we have to paint
the pictures ourselves!
Paul tells us that he had learned
contentment. It did not come into
his life at his conversion, as a gift
from his new Master.
The word he uses indicates, too, that
the learning was not easy. He says
he knew both how to be filled and to
be hungry. That is, his contentment
did not depend on circumstances.
He had the secret in his own heart,
and he was content through all
manner of experiences.
But it was not always so with him.
His contentment was not a matter of
temperament, nor was it a divine gift--
he had learned it! Nor was he
a young man when he said this--
it had taken him years
to learn the lesson.
It is the same with all the beautiful
things in Christian character--
we have to learn them!
We have to learn to be patient,
to be thoughtful, to be at peace,
to be loving, to be kind, to be
humble and meek.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
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