Several years ago, my husband and I were teaching a Bible class for young children. I started to hand out pieces of different, colored construction paper for a craft, when one boy whined: “But I don’t want green. I want blue.”
Before I could respond, another boy said in a definitive West Texas drawl: “You git whatcha git so don’t pitcha fit!”
What sage advice from a three-year-old! (No doubt, he’s been told that a time or two by his parents.)
For a three-year-old, getting a green piece of construction paper instead of a blue one might cause a meltdown, but are we as adults any better? All you have to do is watch the news or read social media posts about adults who acted like children when they didn’t get their way.
Barista confused your mocha order? Throw the cup of hot coffee on the counter and make sure it splashes her. Go on social media and rant.
Store clerk accidently rang up your purchase wrong? Call him a profane name and storm out of the store. Go on social media and rant.
Someone cut you off in traffic? Tailgate them and blare your horn until they move out of your way. Go on social media and rant.
You get the idea.
Sadly, society has come to accept – and even applaud — such examples of poor manners and rude outbursts. We live in a world of discontent.
So, how do we as Christians find contentment in a world that seems to be coming apart at the seams?
The Bible teaches us to be content in all situations and that contentment should spring from an overwhelming desire to be like Christ.
Philippians 4:12-13 (NIV)
“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. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
Romans 12:2 (NIV)
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is — his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Proverbs 14:30 (NIV)
“A heart at peace gives life to the body but envy rots the bones.”
If you find yourself feeling discontented about anything, just remember “You get what you get so don’t pitch a fit.”
Just be sure to say it in a West Texas drawl.