June 6, 2008
Restless And Discontented!
Restlessness and discontentment can negatively impact the life. They can rob us of needed rest or lend toward a lack of appreciation for the good things we already possess as we hop about looking for proverbial “greener pastures” or the next good thing that might come along. However, a spirit of restlessness and discontent can also have a much needed impact when it accompanies a proper perspective of what God intends for our life.
The inventor Thomas A. Edison is quoted as saying, “Restlessness and discontent are the first necessities of progress.” The thing that works against needed progress is when we become too relaxed or comfortable and content with what we have or the way things are. When this happens there is little motivation for pursuing anything better. Just as this is true regarding life in general it can also be the cause of the lack of SPIRITUAL PROGRESS.
Peter exhorted those to whom he wrote. . .
“(5) For this very reason, MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO SUPPLEMENT YOUR FAITH with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, (6) and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, (7) and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. (8) For IF THESE QUALITIES ARE YOURS AND ARE INCREASING, THEY KEEP YOU FROM BEING INEFFECTIVE OR UNFRUITFUL IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.” ( 2 Peter 1:5-8 ESV)
When we think we have come to know all we can or feel we have grown as much as we can grow there will be little to instill a desire toward PROGRESSING in faith ( Philippians 1:25), GROWING in the “grace and knowledge” of Jesus ( 2 Peter 3:18), or any other aspect relating to SPIRITUAL PROGRESS. It is through continued growing in the qualities Peter associated with a growing faith that our effectiveness and fruitfulness in knowledge and service will increase. May we be ever mindful of the room for ongoing SPIRITUAL PROGRESS in our life.
Have a great day INSPIRED TOWARD THE PURSUIT OF GREATER GODLINESS!
Carl
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