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Contentment, June 14
Roads to Happiness That Are Never Closed
Godliness with contentment is great gain.
1 Timothy 6:6
Too many cares and burdens are brought into our families, and too
little of natural simplicity and peace and happiness is cherished. There
should be less care for what the outside world will say and more thought-
ful attention to the members of the family circle. There should be less
display and affectation of worldly politeness, and much more tenderness
and love, cheerfulness and Christian courtesy, among the members of
the household. Many need to learn how to make home attractive, a place
of enjoyment. Thankful hearts and kind looks are more valuable than
wealth and luxury, and contentment with simple things will make home
happy if love be there.
Jesus, our Redeemer, walked the earth with the dignity of a king;
yet He was meek and lowly of heart. He was a light and blessing in
every home because He carried cheerfulness, hope, and courage with
Him. Oh, that we could be satisfied with less heart longings, less striving
for things difficult to obtain wherewith to beautify our homes, while
that which God values above jewels, the meek and quiet spirit, is not
cherished. The grace of simplicity, meekness, and true affection would
make a paradise of the humblest home. It is better to endure cheerfully
every inconvenience than to part with peace and contentment.
Here is the secret of content and peace and happiness.... The true
Christian ... seeks to live a life of usefulness and conform his habits
to the example of Jesus. Such a one will find the truest happiness, the
reward of well-doing. Such a one will be lifted above the slavery of an
artificial life into the freedom and grace of Christlike simplicity.
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