The Fellowship of Contentment and Humility

Muhammad Ali was one of the greatest boxers of all time. There might have been legitimate reasons for his boasting. However, to many people it was distasteful pride.

I think that, in general, people do not enjoy hearing the boasts of the strong, the powerful, the rich, the privileged. Most often it comes across as a superior attitude. It is as if the one boasting is telling everyone, "I'm better than everyone else; I'm better than YOU."

We prefer the sport star who excels yet gives credit to his teammates and coaching staff; not the one who soaks in the praise of others and then announces with pride, "Yeah, I'm all that. I'm the best. I did it." We prefer a measure of humility that makes the star seem a little more accessible to the rest of us. Whether it is a sport star, successful businessman, accomplished musician, or applauded intellectual, we appreciate those who are content to allow others to place them on a pedestal.

What about YOU? Are you content to wait on others to lift you up? Or do you run to climb up on a pedestal to announce your accomplishments? What if no one applauds your victory or your achievement? What if no one tells you, "That was a job well done" or "That was a great effort"?

Listen to the words of Solomon:

Do not claim honor in the presence of the king, 

And do not stand in the place of great men;
For it is better that it be said to you, "Come up here,"

Than that you should be put lower in the presence of the prince, 

Whom your eyes have seen.
--Proverbs 25:6-7

When you exalt yourself you place yourself at risk of being humiliated. Yet, when you present yourself humbly, you may be exalted. Solomon reflected on this principle as it applied to life. The Apostle Peter wrote about the same principle as it applies to spiritual life.

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time.
--1 Peter 5:6

In this life we are unsure whether anyone will applaud our success. However, with God there is certainty.

Be content in your humility.
Be humble in your contentment.

Let God place you on a pedestal of His design.

Mark Stinnett

September 27, 2020

“Enough is as Good as a Feast”

The title comes from the popular movie, “Mary Poppins.” The children were allowed to use Mary’s wonderful magic to straighten their cluttered bedroom. When everything was put away they wanted to do more magic. Mary Poppins declared in her matter-of-fact tone, “Enough is as good as a feast.”

It is a simple statement that encourages contentment. Though quite charming and clever, Mary Poppins did not originate this teaching. In rather graphic language Solomon made an equally memorable declaration:

   Have you found honey? Eat only what you need, 
   Lest you have it in excess and vomit it.
   --Proverbs 25:16

Making this teaching understandable to a young child, my dad would say, “Too much of anything is bad for you.”

For some people this instruction needs to be applied directly to eating. Eat enough, then stop. The solution to our nation’s new favorite health issue (obesity) is not government control, but self-control. People need to learn contentment; parents need to teach contentment and self-discipline.

The instruction can be applied much more broadly. How many pairs of shoes does a person really need. How many pairs of pants? How many shirts? How many dresses?

Have you ever looked into a closet literally full of clothing and said to yourself or your spouse, “I have nothing to wear.” The clothing you bought last year is distasteful to you now. Isn't that somewhat parallel to the one who has eaten honey in excess?

Have you looked around your house and seen all the ‘knickknacks’ and accessories and hangings and then felt aggravated by all the clutter in your spare bedroom / basement / garage? The clutter is made up of yesterday's ‘knickknacks’ and accessories and hangings. Excessive.

It is also the tools, sports/fishing equipment, entertainment equipment, and the assortment of supplies that accompany each.

This is not some kind of dart being thrown at changing times or owning possessions. I simply want us to think about contentment.

Signs of  discontentment may be sagging around your waist or cluttering your house. Be honest, are you content?

Contentment is found in a realistic view of a life that recognizes God’s purpose. Discontentment is often the result of selfish desires, weak faith, and/or an unrealistic view of life.

We would do well to stop listening to the marketing message of man: "Indulge." (In general, the marketer is not really interested in putting shoes on  your feet, but taking money from your pocket.) Place a high value and sharp focus on God’s instruction and his promises.

And by the way, it’s OK to throw out that broken appliance, worn out chair, outdated wall hanging, and beat up set of golf clubs. Stuff never really fills the void in your life, only the void in your house.

Be wise. Be content.

When I "Looked" Like a Child

Parents often act as referees (judges) for their children. 

“Mommy, Billy hit me!” (Four-year-old sister.)

Wisely, Mom finds Billy to hear his side of the story. Sure enough, Billy hit his sister, but she kicked him first, because he took a toy from her, because she screamed in his ear. (You get the picture. Neither one was really innocent.)

With children, the vocal one is often the one who started the problem. When they tattle on the other child, their own fault is often revealed.

Solomon advised:

     Do not go out hastily to argue your case; 

     Otherwise, what will you do in the end, 

     When your neighbor puts you to shame?

                                                 --Proverbs 25:8

Have you ever approached a friend and (with a cloudy disposition) immediately began telling him/her how you were mistreated by a co-worker or boss or friend? You expected your friend to listen and accept every word, side with you, and then verbally acknowledge the injustice you had experienced. You expected them to 'cloud up' with you.

So, what happens when the other person tells ‘their side of the story’? Do you still appear to  have been so mistreated, so innocent?

Solomon continues his advice in the next two verses:

     Argue your case with your neighbor, 

        And do not reveal the secret of another,

     Lest he who hears it reproach you, 

        And the evil report about you not pass away.

The simple lesson is to apply self control. It is true that life is full of injustices, but sometimes we are not completely innocent.

Sometimes “I” am the cause of the problem...
Sometimes “I” misspeak...
Sometimes "I" do something questionable...
Sometimes "I" forget something...
     ...and "I" start the chain reaction of injustices.

Before jumping to conclusions and ‘arguing your case’ with others, go to the person involved and try to work it out. Otherwise the truth of the situation might be revealed to your friends and you might be partly to blame! 

Shame!

A little self-restraint along with a measure of wisdom might keep you from looking like a four-year-old child.

Writing a Resume

Who would have thought that Solomon had anything to say about writing a resume?

I do not know how employers in general view resumes. I’ve heard some advise folks to ‘beef up’ their resume since employers naturally expect prospective candidates to exaggerate their qualifications.

Wait a minute!
Is this a game of poker? Do I write my resume with the idea of out-thinking or out-maneuvering my prospective boss?

I understand that there are different ways to express oneself. However, there is no need for false humility, and no room for empty arrogance. Simple honesty is the right way. Consider...

   Like clouds and wind without rain
   Is a man who boasts of his gifts falsely.
   --Proverbs 25:14

What if you 'beef up' your resume so that it is selling ‘rain,’ then you get the job, but all you’ve really got to offer is 'clouds and wind'!?

Be wise; be honest.