Contentment Counselling

ST. JOHN 7:16-17 tells us about the pragmatism of sound doctrine. The Lord said : My doctrine is not mine but his that sent me. If any man do his will he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God or whether I speak of myself.

I George am a recognizer of the physiological limitations of evangelism and a believer in justification by faith and the scriptures that predicate this such as John 6:44/65 Psalm 127:1 Acts 2:47 Romans 4:4-8 Ephesians 2:8

JESUS SAID : A man's life consists not in the abundance of the things he possesses (Luke 12:15). This is true and the Lord did not say this for no reason. However, the opposite belief i.e. that greed is good seems to be a very pervasive influence. Everyone likes nice possessions and from youth to old age people seem to enjoy collecting things. People collect photos, magazines, books, records, clothes, even motor cars. And perceive no danger of amassing more and more of whatever stuff they desire. Psychology experts have known for a long time that greed increases stress because the more possessions you have the more you think about the safety of them.

If you are not a Business Merchant there is no need for you to have lots and lots of anything. Also, having too many possessions makes a person insatiable because the more you have the more you want. Some relevant old sayings : Riches bring care and fears. Little gear less care. Covetousness is always filling a bottomless vessel. The pleasure of what we enjoy is lost by coveting more. Covetousness is the father of unsatisfied desires.

FURTHERMORE, Having too many possessions diminishes the mind's power to concentrate wisely, because if you have 100 options to choose from it is less easy to make a quick hesitation free choice. The Tao Te Ching says : Things are either increased through diminution or diminished through increase. There is a way to avoid this if you enjoy collecting things but want to keep possessions in safe numbers so that you control them and they don't control you. Get rid of an old item just before or after you acquire a new one of the same kind. For example if you enjoy collecting car magazines keep a limited number of them and each time you buy a new one get rid of the oldest one so the collection does not grow larger. It is safe to apply this rule to most kinds of collecting. You will also find that it pleases the Holy Ghost, minimizes stress and strengthens you against certain satanic impulses that others are overcome by. The Bible says, Godliness with contentment is great gain (1 Timothy 6:6).

ST. JOHN 7:16-17 tells us about the pragmatism of sound doctrine. The Lord said : My doctrine is not mine but his that sent me. If any man will do his will he shall know of the doctrine whether it be of God or whether I speak of myself.

ARISTOTLE SAID : In every sphere of conduct people develop qualities corresponding to the activities they pursue. So to be unaware that in every department of conduct moral states are the result of corresponding activities is the mark of a thoroughly unperceptive person.

George Warner