Contentment

The dictionary defines being content as "desiring no more than what one has; satisfied" and "ready to accept or acquiesce; willing". Both definitions can speak to our attitude - "Am I satisfied with what God has graciously given me (whether emotionally, relationally, materially or spiritually) or do I envy what others have?" and "Am I content, ready and willing to accept the place where I find myself today knowing that God loves me and is in control?"

I am reading a great book, "Becoming More than a Good Bible Study Girl," by Lysa Terkeurst, president of Proverbs 31 ministries. The following insight touched my heart - "Maybe this is the true secret to being fulfilled and content -Living in the moment with God, defined by His truth and with no unrealistic expectations for others or things to fill me up. Not reaching back for what was lost in my yesterdays and not reaching for what I hope will be in my tomorrow, but living fully with what is right in front of me and truly seeing the gift of this moment."

Proverbs 19:23 (ESV) "The fear of the Lord leads to life and whoever has it rests satisfied; he will not be visited by harm."

Jesus, you came so that I might have life and have it more abundantly! Lord, true contentment rests in You!! Help me each day to look up and not around me to find contentment. Then help me to reach out to those around me with gentleness, kindness and love directing them to you as the Source of contentment!

The Test of Three

How to Handle a Rumor: The Test of Three

In ancient Greece (469-399 BC), Socrates was widely lauded for his wisdom. One day the great philosopher came upon an acquaintance who ran up to him excitedly and said, "Socrates, do you know what I just heard about one of your students?"

"Wait a moment," Socrates replied. "Before you tell me, I'd like you to pass a little test. It is called the Test of Three."

"Three?"

"That's right." Socrates continued. "Before you talk to me about my student let's take a moment to test what you're going to say. The first test is TRUTH. Have you made absolutely sure that what you are about to tell me is true?"

"No," the man said, "actually I just heard about it."

"All right," said Socrates. "So you don't really know if it is true or not."

"Now, let's try the second test, the test of GOODNESS. Is what you are about to tell me about my student something good?"

"No, on the contrary..."

"So," Socrates continued, "you want to tell me something bad about him even though you are not certain that it is true?"

The man shrugged, a little embarrassed.

Socrates continued. "You may still pass though because there is a third test - the filter of USEFULNESS. Is what you want to tell me about my student going to be useful to me?"

"No, not really..."

"Well," concluded Socrates, "if what you want to tell me is neither True nor Good nor even Useful, why tell it to me at all?"

The man went away defeated and ashamed!

Dear Lord - May every thing I say today pass all three tests: Truth, Goodness and Usefulness!!

"Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips." Psalms 141:3