November 2010 Congregational Letter

For sometime I have been chewing on a verse in Scripture. It’s found in 1 Timothy 6.6; “godliness with contentment is great gain.” I have been particularly interested in the idea and experience of contentment, and especially, why is it that I am stirred so easily to discontentment?

The Greek word Paul uses for contentment, “autarkeia,” is unique in the New Testament to Paul. It has as it’s meaning the idea of being content independent of, or with indifference to, your circumstances. Paul uses this word only twice more in all of his writings. The first is found in 2 Corinthians 9.8; “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” And the second in Philippians 4.11; “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.”

What does it mean to be content? What circumstances bring about your contentedness? As a Christian, I think that contentment at the deepest level is a satisfaction with the circumstances of our lives, receiving them as ordained by God. Of course, that does not mean that God is the author of evil or difficulties that may befall us. However, it does mean that we understand that everything we experience has passed through His hand. And, that we trust that though we may not see the ultimate meaning or purpose of these varying experiences, we have a security in knowing that all things work together for His good purposes. How different to live this way. The Apostle Paul wrote of what he knew.   As you read his letters you will discover him continually bringing his audiences, and us, back to basics by reminding us that Jesus Christ is the satisfaction of the deepest longings of our heart. To have Christ, to be indwelt by His Spirit, is to gain godliness and discover contentment.

James will ask (4.1-3), “what causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You want something but don’t get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want.” Too often, I’ve talked to irreligious folk who’ve watched Christians live their lives – who have watched the way I’ve lived my life – not with a demonstration of the contentment and satisfaction Paul speaks of, but with the same disordered drives and pursuits that shape their lives – with the exception of now having religious duties and obligations to fulfill – and they want no part of what they see.

Christians are meant to live differently – created and empowered, actually, to live differently. As we learn to become content with and in Christ a deep sense of satisfaction and gratitude begins to pervade our hearts and minds which expresses itself through a posture and an attitude of thanksgiving. To grow in Christ is to discover that having Christ is to have the fullness of life. He makes it possible in the midst of our most difficult of circumstances to be thankful, not necessarily for the situation in which we find ourselves, but rather because He is with us – always.

This 11th Thanksgiving with our St. Andrew’s family finds us increasingly thankful not only that we “have” Jesus, but that He has us. To this blessed assurance we count all else as lavish, undeserved blessing. We are especially thankful the friendships we’ve shared this past decade and for the love, generosity, kindness and grace this parish has so often demonstrated toward us – and toward one another. It is a high privilege to give my life in the service of Christ and you, His people. I am humbled, blessed, content and thankful to be your rector.

In the family,

Steve