Lying in a hot, dark room in Haiti was uncomfortable but what we were doing made a difference to a few Haitians who had suffered much from a devastating earthquake. We were sinking pumps into wells that had been dug by the people. The days were hot but so were the nights. We went to bed each night sweating and miserable. But things grew unbearable when the man in charge of the house we were staying in would remove the battery from the generator that powered our fans to put in his truck. We complained to one another about the situation and then finally, out of frustration, we demanded that the battery remain in the generator. Eventually, we bought a new battery so this would not occur again. Our grumbling about the generator demonstrated our self centeredness and lack of contentment. We would return to the comforts of our homes in a few days. These people would remain and continue to struggle against their environment and pain of loss.
To grumble is not loud and outspoken griping. It is the expression of dissatisfaction through continuous complaining. It’s the chatter of cliques when they talk about others. This seems to be the way churches function often and it is really distasteful to mature believers and ironically, to those who are not believers. Humility demands satisfaction, or contentment with yourself, your circumstances and others. Later in Philippians Paul says that he has learned to be content in all circumstances. Contentment or the absence of grumbling is a learning process. Once again Paul brings Christ to the forefront and teaches us what he has learned; all things can be accomplished through Christ who gives strength. With that in mind, here are a few hints toward contentment.
1. Avoid complaining about anything. Instead seek the Christ honoring words for the moment and if you do not find any remain silent.
2. Avoid imagining yourself in a situation you are not in.
3. Avoid comparisons of your station in life with someone else. They are probably thinking you are better off than they are.
4. Never allow ourselves to wish that this or that had been otherwise.
5. You can do all these things because Christ strengthens you to do them. (Adapted from Edward Pusey)
