“Be content” (Luke 3:14; Philippians 4:11; 1Timothy 6:8; Hebrews 13:5 KJV). Content with poverty, injustice, and hate? Obviously not, for we are taught to “deliver the poor and needy” (Psalm 82:4) and “love thy neighbour” (Matthew 22:39). Content with God is the answer. Contentment makes us grateful to God. Our only discontent is with any sense of not seeking the highest good of Him who is the Only Good. “There is none good but one, that is, God” (Mark 10:18). Instead of hating ‘it when that happens,’ our contentment exalts our Good God. “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning” (James 1:17).
Commandment
Anxious for Nothing
“Be careful [Greek, merimnaō, anxious] for nothing” (Philippians 4:6 KJV) means we shouldn’t worry about anything. It’s practically impossible not to worry, unless we’re really persuaded God is listening to our prayers. “But in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God” (Philippians 4:6 KJV). We ask and petition God with gratitude concerning whatever is on our mind. Not only does He supply our needs, but it fortifies our faith, when we are doing whatever we can cooperating with God. What a wonderful exchange! “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7 KJV). And, God is always giving more than we know to ask (Ephesians 3:20)!
Repentance or Faith?
“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel” (Mark 1:15 KJV). One cannot repent or turn away from what they do not believe to be wrong, and they cannot believe something to be wrong without ceasing that behavior or repenting. The Gospel is the Good News of God giving us a second chance. Taking sides with God against yourself is repentance. Acting like the Gospel is true is believing the Gospel. Ours is to repent and believe, but only the Spirit can give us faith (Ephesians 2:8) and “repentance to the acknowledging of the truth” (2Timothy 2:25 KJV).
Plainness of Speech
“But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil” (Matthew 5:37 KJV). Why did Jesus command such plainness of speech? Because saying more or less than the intended words draws attention to the messenger and not the message. This impresses people with our education or lack. As messengers for our Lord, we desire the attention only for Him.
Majority of One
Hezekiah encouraged his people against the massive onslaught of Sennacherib. Good advice for overcoming our own overwhelming circumstances. “Be strong and courageous, be not afraid nor dismayed for the king of Assyria, nor for all the multitude that is with him: for there be more with us than with him: With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the LORD our God to help us, and to fight our battles. And the people rested themselves upon the words of Hezekiah king of Judah” (2Chronicles 32:7-8 KJV).
We Need A Miracle 