Required reading
Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment by Jeremiah Burroughs (available from Amazon or free on the internet,
here for example)
- Chapter 1: Section II, III and IV.
My notes and thoughts
Now included in the definition of contentment is (II) quiet; (III) frame of spirit; and (IV) gracious.
It was helpful that although Burroughs said contentment is quiet, he did make clear that this doesn't mean a contented person cannot moan to God and friends or seek help: 'God is thus far mercifully indulgent to our weakness, and he will not take it ill at our hands if by earnest and importunate prayer we seek him for deliverance until we know his good pleasure in the matter.'
I also liked how he distinguished 'Christian' contentment from a 'natural' contentment that some non-Christians appear to possess. What is the distinguishing mark: 'The one whose disposition is quiet is not disquieted as others are, but neither does he show any activeness to sanctify the name of God in his affliction....I say, the desire and care your soul has to sanctify God's name in an affliction is what quietens the soul, and this is what others lack.' I kept thinking of Job 1:20: 'The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised.' I guess Job will feature prominently later in the book.
Now its your turn
Post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
1 comment:
"I have learned . . . to be content". That is the great aim. While I believe I have learned it somewhat, I desire to 'learn' it even more perfectly. I like his very practical distinction between not being opposed to a due sense of affliction, while it is opposed to vexatious complaining against God. Keith
Post a Comment