Hang On! part 4

It seems that the very things that were bugging Solomon about life were the very things that John was content with. John maintained the status quo. Solomon complained, “I eat the same thing every day.” John said, “Hey, if it’s locust and wild honey for me, so be it.” Solomon, the one who lived in the most opulent palaces and wore the finest clothing said, “What do people gain from all their labors at which they toil under the sun?” as though what he had was not enough. John said, “If I’m to live in the desert and wear a camel-hair loincloth, so be it.” 
 

To me, the difference between these two men is the word contentment. John seemed to have more of an “other-world” perspective regarding his current existence. Solomon had more of a “this-world” perspective. Even though Solomon had all that this world had to offer, something was missing:  contentment. I don’t mean contentment with what you have; I’m talking about contentment with the Will of God for your life, no matter what that Will is. Contentment with the Will of God for you is what will keep you pressing on in everyday life, producing the right kind of fruit. Contentment is where love and joy and peace come from. 
 

It’s interesting to me how those who have been called to a certain task, seem to want to make others feel guilty for not sacrificing in the same way they’ve had to. Missionaries and preachers, seem to do this often. Because of the various things we have had to deny ourselves of – we tend to make those who have not had to deny themselves of the same things feel guilty because of that. 
 

We don’t see John the Baptist making others feel guilty because they did not sacrifice in the same way he did. He had one purpose – to prepare people for the coming of the Messiah. The sacrifices he had to make behind the scenes were simply his lot in life, but accepting his lot, and not giving up, is what produced in him the very fruit necessary to fulfill his calling.   

Philippians 4:11-13 “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
 

Not all callings are the same. I believe callings are based on the needs of those around us first, and our own needs second. God has placed you where you are in life because of what HE knows you have within you to minister to those around you.

Continued tomorrow