A Christian Challenge: The Winter of Our Discontent
“So dark when I roam in this wintry world shrouded,
The hope of my spirit turns trembling to Theeâ€
(Thomas Moore, The Heart’s Prayer)
“Now is the winter of our discontent
Made glorious summer by this son of Yorkâ€
(Shakespeare, King Richard III)
We begin by asking a personal question—Christian, are you content or discontent? (Joshua 7:7; Judges 19:6; I Timothy 6:8; Hebrews 13:5). Christians are challenged to live lives of personal contentment. The apostle Paul addresses this matter of personal contentment in Philippians 4:10-19.
1. Christians do not deny the reality of trouble; to the contrary, they affirm it (Philippians 4:14).
2. Christians may learn the secret of contentment by learning and living out theological knowledge (Philippians 4:12).
3. Christian contentment is not based upon circumstances; but, rather upon the presence of God in one’s life (Philippians 4:11, 19).
While the winter of discontent threatens all living human beings, the possibility of joy looms large for all “in Christ†(Philippians 4:4, 19). Make the necessary changes for 2006 today. Begin the New Year right–right now.
-Robert M. Housby