Today’s principle focus is on contentment in WHO you are
Today’s Positive Affirmation and Encouraging Words to Live By:
“I am exactly WHO God wants me to be.”
Scripture Reference: Proverbs 31:19
Think on this: While the proverb states “She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.” It could just as easily read: “Those who are wise, work diligently at the task at hand, accepting that which is required.”
But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in regard to need, for 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. – Philippians 4:10-13
ON A SCALE OF 1-10… (10 being the highest most confident in the area of contentment) Write down on a piece of paper where you see yourself in the area of Contentment. How content do you feel in WHO you are?
The Apostle Paul described contentment best, “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.” Paul states that he has learned how to master his emotions and to be thankful for all that he has, and who he is regardless of any current situation.
Contentment is not only required for us with what we have, we also must become content in who we are. We as men and women have to be aware of our differences, and be content in the roles that we play. Even though we are one in Christ, we all have a different way of conveying His Message. Although in God’s eyes we are all equal – no two people are alike, and we have all been created as individuals, according to God’s (Jer. 29:11) plan.
WHEN EQUALITY BRINGS CONFUSION
Scripture states in Galatians 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. It is by God’s original design man and woman be treated as equal individuals and when they marry these two individuals become ONE FLESH. (Mark 10:8) This equality was never meant to overtake or become more important than ones individuality –Not all flesh is the same. (1 Cor. 15:38)
It is satan’s goal to confuse mankind and rob from us all of our individuality, for within our individuality comes our creative power and strength. All outliers in history became prominent as individuals doing things in their own creative and different ways. Equality DOES NOT MEAN SAMENESS – equality means opportunity.
Unfortunately the more “equal” we become as a society (which is how God has intended us from the beginning of time) the more forceful the devil must become in causing us to conform to a certain type of “SAMENESS”. This is the problem we are seeing in our traditional school systems today. The more EQUAL we as a nation have become politically and spiritually – the more frustrated the enemy becomes and attempts to squelch all of our individuality. Arts, music, and sports programs get cut from schools before the subjects which require the most calculations and memorization. While we as adults may be gaining equality politically and spiritually – our children sadly are most often left in danger of loosing their individuality.
Sadly this “SAMENESS EDUCATION” (a result of a 1900’s manufacturing economy and the enemies strategy to confuse our understanding of equality) has left many men questioning their manhood in order to remain unique, and many women have questioned their femininity as a way of voluntarily becoming different. Instead of questioning their creative skills and talents because they feel they may not have any, they question their very own God given image.
Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due. – Romans 1:24-27
Through scripture, it has been revealed to us that this unnatural cause of affection, and this desire to be EXACTLY as the opposite sex is rooted in the misunderstanding of ones personal identity in Christ.
Some men have come to conclude that they need to become overly sensitive in order to deliver their creative messages and women have become led to believe that their message can only be heard through a masculine voice.
Let me reassure you that, being male or female is of no regard in the body of Christ. You don’t have to prove anything to anyone. No matter how “evident” the physical differences may be between men and women, we have all become one in Christ. EQUAL individuals.
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. -Galatians 3:28
What does this scripture mean to us? As believers, it means that we are all capable and qualified to become Pastors, Teachers, Evangelists, Prophets, and Apostles! Regardless of being made as men or women! Hallelujah!
Scripture says: And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers, for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ. – Ephesians 4:12
In the flesh men and women, have obvious differences. As believers we must accept, realize, and be content with God and His divine wisdom that He has a purpose for our blatant differences.
For instance, just recently the Lord has shown me how as a woman I am able to communicate the Gospel in a different arena than my husband. I have an ability to impress men with a woman’s knowledge of the Word, and as far as my husband is concerned he is able to minister to women in a leading way that I never could. His ministry comes from a position of authority, and my ministry comes from a position of mothering and sensitivity.
It is in my opinion that all men saved or unsaved, need a mothering and loving figurehead, and all women need a male figurehead to give them good and fatherly-type counsel. Though keep in mind, there is never a reason to counsel men or women alone one on one. Please be careful to have a group setting, or telephone conversation when needing to counsel the opposite sex. Though you know you are faithful to God, the enemy could use someone’s wild imaginations to try and expose you as something you are not.
Wise men and women know when to be content in their God given roles. Proverbs 31:19, describes a person who grabs the distaff and spindle with their fingers. This person grabs hold of their position in life and works with it, not against it. This person grabs ahold of life by taking that spindle (or role) by their hands, and works with it until it produces the exact intended result.
Women most certainly will produce different results than men, and men will produce different results than women. Neither one ‘better’ than the other, both conveying the same message, each delivering the message in their own unique way.
In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat her with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God’s gift of new life. If you don’t treat her as you should, your prayers will not be heard. – 1 Peter 3:7 (NAS)
Respect is earned, not demanded I find it important to mention here, true respect is not something that you can demand of another person. Respect can only be earned through consistent proof of ones intentions. A tyrannical man or woman has earned no more respect by the end of the day, than a person who demands absolutely nothing at all.
If you desire the respect of your spouse (either male or female), you must begin to make it your mission to earn it. Prove to each other that you love each other, and that you have their best interest at heart, and on your heart.
Together in marriage our teams work best when they work in unison, being in complete agreement. We are stronger when we as individuals come together as equal partners.
Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Eccl 4:12
“Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.” Matt 18:19
Today, studying the characteristics of contentment, we are found assuming our roles as true men and women of God, doing what each other cannot do. Men have a tendency to be focus driven (sometimes narrow minded), quick to action (sometimes overly gruff), and incredibly enthusiastic (sometimes crazily sporadic).
Women have the ability to calm the storm (sometimes to the point of apathy), emotionally balance the ship (sometimes nagging their way out of balance), and subtly turn the rudder (unfortunately often not so subtly).
Let us focus today on our attributes in their best sense. Let us focus on not controlling or steering a new course, but perfecting the direction of the ship, causing the boat to maintain its chosen course with the limited amount of distractions.
What can we as women do encourage, support, and strengthen our husbands as they make the difficult and trying decisions of life? What can you as husbands do to relieve the stresses of the world that your wives consistently take on their shoulders? With a humble heart, and trust in our Heavenly Father as a “trifold” team (God, Husband & Wife), each doing our part, and content in our perspective individual roles, we can create something great!
Suggested Potential Resources:
For Women Only: What You Need to Know About the Inner Lives of Men by Shaunti Feldhahn and Jeff Feldhahn
For Men Only: A Straightforward Guide to the Inner Lives of Women by Shaunti Feldhahn and Jeff Feldhahn
Both these books are incredible at unlocking the mysteries of men and women. If you have ever wondered what makes your spouse tick, or why they do what they do, buy these books and read them. As a woman I learned that men function from a level of respect, and women function from an emotional need for love. Both of these books will greatly encourage you and enlighten you in ways of making your marriage work for the best.
Letters to Karen & Letters to Philip by Charlie W. Shedd Charlie Shedd as a loving father has written two books to his children, one named Karen and one named Philip. These books are a compilation of the letters that he wrote to them about life and marriage. They cover everything from finances to sex. These books will give you an amazing ear and understanding of the correct relationship not only between husband and wife, but father and child.
This Principle in Action: Ronald and Nancy Reagan: Former President of America and First Lady
Throughout history, there have been countless couples that have embraced and accepted their certain roles, and have become “Power Couples”. When I think of power couples in the Bible, I think of Abraham and Sarah, King Xerxes and Queen Esther, Joseph and Mary, etc. There have also been many single men and women who have assumed a role of ‘messenger’ regardless of their sex, like the Israeli Judge Deborah and of course our Savior and Lord Jesus. Since we are talking of ‘Power Couples’ and being content in the roles in marriage, I would like to remind us all of the amazing Reagan family.
Regardless if you agree on their political points of view or not, as a couple they were very much in love and made a great deal out of supporting each other. Ronald met Nancy in Hollywood. They were both actors, and he worked for the Screen Actor’s Guild. While Nancy will not admit to love at first sight, she was never the less enamored by him. On March 4, 1952 they were married. They later had two children. Anyone who knew the Reagan’s knew they were deeply in love and as he began to seek out his political aspirations, Nancy was right by his side.
Not only did Ronald end up being elected President, he was President for two terms, and in those terms Nancy served her country in various ways, including developing the very successful “Just Say No!” to drugs campaign. It is said that he often referred to her as “Mommy,” and she referred to him as “Ronnie.” They displayed openly the affection that they had of one another and after Ronald was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Nancy told Vanity Fair, “Our relationship is very special. We were very much in love and still are. When I say my life began with Ronnie, well, it’s true. It did. I can’t imagine life without him.”
Today’s Key Take Away:
• When we are content as men and women in Christ, it opens the doors for us to be the most effective. Men and women are different, and even though it is a level playing field in our abilities, the nature of us being created differently is on purpose and by design. Men can command a room by simply entering it, and women can warm the hearts of anyone with a genuine smile and with thoughtful consideration. Today we are focusing on being ALL men, and ALL women. Trusting that as we do this, God will show us the best way possible to convey His message in our respective roles.
Today’s Reflection: What did I learn about myself? How has today’s focus on being content in your roles, helped you? Have you done anything different on the job, or in your marriage? Did you find it necessary to ask for forgiveness, or to celebrate in your God-given role? How did your spouse respond?
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