THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

I’m working on a series on the things that accompany salvation in Christian life.

One of these is Christian contentment. It might seem odd to be recommending ‘contentment’ with all the competitive sport that has been happening.

There was Wimbledon. The Euros ended in a frustrating penalty shoot-out.

Our own Robert Macintyre competed in the Scottish Open Golf. There’s the Tokyo Olympics.

It would be silly to say to the competitors in any of these that it is only a game. They strive to reach their potential, and rightly so. That is one of the ways a person can give glory to God, thanking him for the abilities he or she has been given.

Christian contentment is not complacency. It is pressing onwards towards the mark of the high calling of Jesus Christ. It is resting in the all-sufficiency of Christ. It is trusting in a heavenly Father who knows us and provides for us. It is recognising the many blessings we have received.

Paul had learned ‘in whatever state I am in, to be content’ (Philippians 4:11). He could appreciate good things and yet put up with not so good things and without complaining. The Lord had told him: ‘My grace is sufficient for you’ (2 Corinthians 12:9). Christian contentment is not a narrowing of desires, but being satisfied with the riches of God’s grace.

In the challenges we meet, it is knowing that ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me’ (Philippians 4:13).

Reverend Dr Malcolm Kinnear, Kinlochleven and Nether Lochaber Parish Churches.