The contentment crisis - part I

I have heard it said that contentment is not the fulfillment of what you want, but the realization of how much you already have.

I am mindful of this at Christmas time, but truly I have been awakened and aware, so aware, of this for the past two years, ever since I took my first trip to Africa.

Pondering this for two years now, I have come to the realization that I truly believe the major problem with most Christians today is severe discontentment. We are in a real crisis in America and the church today and what many do not realize is that at it's root is discontent and greed. It's a problem with most all Americans, Christians or not, however I believe it's worse with Christians because we should know better. Many who do know better simply don't do better in this area.

Unfortunately the lack of contentment has caused a lot of people to make very bad decisions in their personal lives ~ their relationships, home, family, church, job, you name it...the contentment crisis has damaged many lives.

I used to be one of the people who, had this issue not gotten in check in my own life, could have gone careening toward some kind of a crash.

When I came home from Africa the first time, my husband thought I needed counseling. However deep inside I realized, it wasn't me who was upside down...

I was right side up, for the first time.

More on this tomorrow... I will be preaching on this subject the next two weeks on Wednesday night and will post my notes after each message.