One of the diseases that infect our culture today is the disease of discontent. It seems like we are constantly striving to get the next best thing out there. Last night I was talking to a friend about golf balls. I know, probably not very interesting to you, but 20 years ago there were just a handful of brands and models of golf balls. Now, the list is endless. Titleist alone has 11 models. Nike, who didn't even make golf equipment 20 years ago, has 10. Every year the greatest, longest, and best golf balls are reinvented. Why? Because our culture is constantly looking for the newest, greatest, next best thing out there whether it be cars, TV's, phones, clothes, shoes, or even golf balls. We have become a culture of the discontent and it robs us of our peace.
Think about this… Many people don't get married because they are afraid that they will miss out on someone better. Discontent. Many marriages fail because the husband or wife feels like they have found someone else who will better meet their needs and love them. Discontent. People move from job to job because are discontent in their present job. Superstar athletes have fueled this. No longer are athletes staying with one or two teams over the course of their entire career. Last night the Cleveland Cavaliers were pasted by the Celtics. Early this morning they were already talking about Lebron James moving on to another team. Why? Discontent. And when discontent is in our lives, we cannot live in the peace of Christ.
Francis Assisi says this, "The devil never rejoices more than when he robs a servant of God of his peace of heart." This cultural disease has moved from mainstream society into churches today. People come and go through our doors all the time. They make the rounds from church to church. I call them free agent Christians. I know people who have come to Oasis who have moved on to other churches and have in the last 5 years attended 5 churches. Why? They get infected with discontent. To be quite honest, most of these people do not live very peaceful lives. A person who lives a discontent life cannot live a life of peace. They are diametrically opposed extremes.
Sometimes we need to just settle down and pray the words of Jesus, "I am leaving you with a gift- peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift that the world cannot give. So do not be troubled or afraid." John 14:27
Are you filled with discontent? Then pray that the peace of Christ will come into your mind and heart today.
1 comment:
Kurt,
I have been going through a tough time with my business, and I was praying last night to help me sleep for that peace. I see in my customers the discontent that you were speaking of, and I agree. If they don't seek that peace they will always be discontented with everything. Their lives, spouses, children, jobs, vocations, etc. Thanks for the hard message.
Steven Rich
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