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A CLEAN CONSCIENCE AND A NEW
START
By Erwin Bourne
Early this morning while the coffee was hot and
everyone else was asleep, “Contentment” paid me a
visit. I had worked until 1:30 A.M. trying to
complete the heavy demands of yesterday’s schedule.
Now at four in la mañanita, my visitor delivered a
Scripture verse to my office. A verse fragrant with
the witness of the Holy Spirit. “This is especially
for you.”
An hour of contentment. An hour when deadlines are
forgotten and strivings have ceased. An hour when
what we have overshadows what we want. “Contentment” is a strange street
vendor, roaming, looking for a home, but seldom finding an open door. His
goods are seldom taken, We are too busy trying to be content. (Which
is crazy, since the reason we kill ourselves today is because we think it
will make us content tomorrow.)
“Not now, thank you,” we say to the old salesman as he
moves from house to house, offering his wares: an
hour of peace, a smile of acceptance, a sigh of relief. “”I’ve got much to
do. Too many marks to be made, too many achievements to be achieved, too
many dollars to be saved, too many promotions to be earned. And besides, if
I’m content, someone might think I’ve lost my ambition.” People seem
strangely proud of their headaches and ulcers.
“Contentment” is a Bible name. Pause for a devotional
from I Timothy 6.
6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.
7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is
certain we can carry nothing out.
8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith
content.
9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and
a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts,
which drown men in destruction and perdition.
10. For the love of money is the root of all evil:
which while some coveted after, they have erred from
the faith, and pierced themselves through with many
sorrows (KJV).
The tasks? They’ll get done. The calls? They’ll get
made. The letters? They’ll be written. And you know
what? They’ll get done with a smile. I don’t do this
enough, but I’m going to do it more. In fact, I’m
thinking about giving that street vendor,
“Contentment” a key to my door. “By the way,
‘Contentment,’ what are you doing this afternoon?
Edited by Erwin Bourne
Outreach_amazon@yahoo.com
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