Is it ok to be spiritually content?

[Barbara Moulton]

Now I know that Paul said he had learned to be content so on the one hand you might say yes, it's right to be content...whatever the circumstances. But it seemed that Paul had to learn it because he was in circumstances that weren't naturally conducive to contentment. Through the Spirit's help he was content...even though life was difficult.

But my life isn't difficult right now. My circumstances don't require that I have to struggle to hang on by faith. Simply put...I like the place that my life is right now. It's a place of healthy relationships and growing warmth in my friendships. It's a place of useful ministry. Time wouldn't allow me to speak of my blessings.

So...on to my spiritual life. The truth is, I like the place it is at right now too. In my younger years I had so much spiritual "angst" (for want of a better word). I was constantly turning over every aspect of my life to explore if it was right in God's eyes. I fixated daily on whether I was surrendered enough, or strong enough in my faith. Now I believe I am in a place of spiritual health and joy. I am content to live each day seeing what new thing God might bring into my life. And if He reveals a lesson He wants me to learn, I don't respond with grovelling and repentance for not having seen it before. I thank Him for bringing me far enough along that I am now ready to learn this new lesson.

I used to have lots of "high days" when I would be jumping on a mountain top feeling close to God. I don't have those points of ecstasy that much anymore. But the reality is that I had many "days after" back then as well...when I had to face the reality of everyday living. Trudging down the mountain (or sometimes falling down the mountain) I would wonder why I couldn't feel like I had the day before.

I don't have those days anymore. There is an eveness to my days. I come home from Sunday worship, not on a "high" but with a sense of continuing joy that I can spend time lifting up the name of Jesus with people who genuinely care for me, my family and each other, in a church that is genuinely reaching out to others.

Day after day I have opportunity to witness to the love of God to people in my life, people in the hospital, people who come to our church. I have a deep sense of connection with God. Sometimes I get surprised with moments of unexpected joy.

So is it wrong to feel spiritually content? My deepest prayer is for more and more of this spiritual walk. I don't have a sense of anything missing...I just want more of what I have.

When it coms to holiness....I simply don't want to spend that much time trying to define holiness anymore. I just want to live in the light that God gives me each day. If I surrender to that light...I believe I am living a holy life.

What got me thinking about this was something as simple as the little joke that the ladies of the church played on Carl (see General Forum). As I was posting the pictures and listening to the Christian music station on iTunes I was just overwhelmed with a sense of contentment. So happy to be in this place of ministry where we are loved and enjoying the simple blessings of listening to Christian music on a quiet Sunday afternoon.

My thoughts then went to our brother Brad. I was reading his blog this afternoon and praying for him and his family through this journey. And I began to wonder ...am I fooling myself? How would I react if my life was turned upside down like his has been. Would I show the same Christian faith?

Is the spiritual life I live right now preparing me for the crisis that I might face tomorrow?

Enough rambling.

I'll leave this for now with the hope that someone will post a response that will help me continue to clarify my thoughts.

[Joanne Vergin]

Barbara,
I rarely respond in this forum because it is difficult for me. But I prasie God you are at this point in your life right now. Some people might say God is giving you a resting time because trouble is ahead. I don't like to think that way and I don't think you do either.

You have learned a lot of things. If you think you are still growing and seeking after god's will then you are right where He wants you to be.

Praise God.

[Barbara Moulton]

Some people might say God is giving you a resting time because trouble is ahead. I don't like to think that way and I don't think you do either.

I really think that holiness is about living in the moment. That's really all that we have . I started typing a response to your post just a few seconds ago...but that really is the past already.

The present is so fleeting as to be almost non existent when you think about it.

So I can only be surrendered in this moment...believing that if I surrender my present moment to God then He will be with me whatever direction life takes.

[Kevin Rector]

Three thoughts came to my mind as I read your post:

1. I don't like creating a dualism between our "normal" or "bodily" life and our "spiritual" life. All of our life is spiritual and our spirit is involved in all of our life. We are one unified whole as human beings.

2. Not only is ok to be content with our life, but it is a very good thing. I'm happy for you that you are in the sort of place that you are. The only minor caveat I have is that we can not allow our contentment to become laziness or apathy. We also have to guard against our propensity to avoid anything that will make us uncomfortable. I think that for many Americans (and maybe Canadians too) we often bow at the altar of comfort rather than the altar of God. It's not a bad thing for us to be uncomfortable and challenged. Of course this is really easy for me to say as I sit here in my padded chair in a climate controlled office with a full stomach from lunch. All I guess I'm trying to say is that we have to be careful not to confuse contentment with comfort.

3. Don't worry about tomorrow because today has enough trouble of its own.

[Barbara Moulton]

I think that for many Americans (and maybe Canadians too) we often bow at the altar of comfort rather than the altar of God. It's not a bad thing for us to be uncomfortable and challenged. Of course this is really easy for me to say as I sit here in my padded chair in a climate controlled office with a full stomach from lunch. All I guess I'm trying to say is that we have to be careful not to confuse contentment with comfort.


Thanks for your comments.

I have come to believe that contentment grows the more you are willing to challenge your "comfort zones".

I started on a journey 11 years ago for example. It began when I left the denomination of my youth. Now...if you think that Nazarenes are "rah rah" for their denomination, you should check out Salvationists. Because it has such a peculiar subculture of its own, it is difficult to leave when you've been raised in the Salvation Army ranks. People talk about bleeding red, yellow and blue. (the Army colours).

It took me a year to come to understand that God truly was calling us out of my area of comfort. I was terrified of leaving all that I knew. But the day after we left, I knew it was the right decision for us.

And the years hence have been years of growth.

I remember another time, reading Dennis Bratcher's paper on the foreknowledge of God. I had printed it off and was reading it on the subway on the way to work. It challenged me to think of the future in a completely different way. It made me uncomfortable. But it also gave me insight into a new freedom in Christ.

I guess what I am saying is that if I had remained in places of comfort, I wouldn't have grown into the contentment I now have.

[Brad Mercer]

I think it's okay to sing "It Is Well With My Soul" without a sense of irreverence or sacrilege, and without being afraid that God is just setting us up for a fall, making us content so it'll be more cruelly fun for him to zap us with the next bad thing. Deep, completely trusting contentment in living intimacy with Him and each other is our destiny in him.

And contentment in our actual, present circumstances is the only contentment possible. So we thank him without looking a gift horse in the mouth when circumstances are good, and we thank him with profound gratitude as a great, glorious miracle when circumstances are bad.

Kevin is right, of course, though, in that contentment is a deep, growing sprititual experience not to be confused with the more common superficial comfort that hides dysfunction, sin and pain that we don't really trust God enough to allow him to address.

Brad

[Sara Sheppard]

in that contentment is a deep, growing sprititual experience not to be confused with the more common superficial comfort that hides dysfunction, sin and pain that we don't really trust God enough to allow him to address.

Brad

Brad,

You've hit me over the head with that one. I never thought of it as not trusting God enough to allow him to address the sin, pain, and dysfunction (yeah that one is fun).

I've got to chew on this awhile. My friend, God is not done with YOU yet. :)

Sara

[Barbara Moulton]

I think it's okay to sing "It Is Well With My Soul" without a sense of irreverence or sacrilege, and without being afraid that God is just setting us up for a fall, making us content so it'll be more cruelly fun for him to zap us with the next bad thing. Deep, completely trusting contentment in living intimacy with Him and each other is our destiny in him.

And contentment in our actual, present circumstances is the only contentment possible. So we thank him without looking a gift horse in the mouth when circumstances are good, and we thank him with profound gratitude as a great, glorious miracle when circumstances are bad.

Kevin is right, of course, though, in that contentment is a deep, growing sprititual experience not to be confused with the more common superficial comfort that hides dysfunction, sin and pain that we don't really trust God enough to allow him to address.

Brad

Thank you so much for this post Brad.

[Laurie Florence]

I have nothing profound to say on this, the theological discussion. :basic02

However, I do know that you and your husband are a wonderful and precious blessing to many people in the community. Perhaps this is why you are so well-blessed. My pastor says that you cannot outgive God. ;) So, perhaps the great blessing you have been to others has come back to you. I don't know. What I do know is, I am so glad I met you two. I'm sure I am not the only one who feels this way.

Blessings!

[Barb Bouldrey]

When Paul says he learned to be content, I believe he was referring to his circumstances and surroundings, since he does mention those things in that scripture.

But it takes spiritual victory to attain phsycial and emotional contentment.

We have lived is small communities, or small churches, or on small incomes the biggest part of our ministry. We have lived as a one-income, one-car family.

I had to learn to be content with:
1. My home
2. My income
3. My location
4. My physical struggles
5. My financial struggles

And I know I could add more to the list.

When I am discouraged, I am not content. When I am stressed, I am not content.

The only way I find spiritual contentment is through surrender and trust. But the same solution is true for emotional and phsycial and financial contentment....I have to surrender it all to God, leave it all in His hands and TRUST.

Now, I have not learned that to the point that these areas of my life are conquered, never to threaten by contentment again. It is a constant surrender and trust....and often a constant struggle until I finally do surrender.

Recently I was walking and praying at the same time. Stressful things had piled upon my until I was so down. As I walked I prayed, "Lord, I really do trust You, even though I am not acting like it."

I think the secret of contentment is going to the Lord often enough, long enough and serious enough until HIS peace brings contentment.

Contentment does not come from within ME, it come from Whom it is within me, when I surrender to Him....everything.

Barb

[Marsha Lynn]

Barbara, what if we take a NazNet poll and the winning response is: "What Barbara calls spiritual contentment is actually a sign of spiritual complacency"? Will you be less content in the face of our disapproval? :p

I'm thinking that contentment involves peace and joy, which are listed among the fruit of the Spirit. Those who would comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable might find people who are full of quiet peace and joy too comfortable and try to persuade them that they're falling short in some area and in danger of losing their salvation. Many preachers seem to be in the business of stirring up spiritual dissatisfaction in their attempt to move us closer to God. I'm not sure that's really necessary. I think the peace and joy mentioned in the New Testament are truly available to those who choose to follow Christ.

We had a "walk to the cross" at church last night. There were five stations with a prayer for each station. One station involved confession of sins. Let's see ... sin: unconfessed actions and attitudes that are messing up my relationship with God. "Uhmmm... Lord, haven't we covered these? Have I missed something in my daily prayer times? I can review the list of known areas in need of restoration, if You would like. Is there value in dragging them out for examination? We both know I'm still wearing filthy rags. Wouldn't it be better to focus on something more pleasant?"

At the station for "brokenness" the prayer included these statements, "Fear has a stronghold on my life. I feel useless, worthless, unappreciated, unloved and unhealthy." "Uhmmm... Lord, I'm not sure I can pray this prayer. I'm not actually feeling those things right now. In fact, keeping my focus on other people and relying on your love to fill my own needs has been working out pretty well. Is it really necessary to go looking for broken places in my life?"

The "walk" wasn't a negative or worthless experience by any means, but I wasn't sure I could fit into the miserable and rebellious roles in which the prayers seemed to want to cast me. I guess I was asking similar questions to the one you pose here.

On the other hand, while I find much peace and joy in my spiritual journey, I also find that there is blessing in the thorn. I need challenges, things that bother me and drive me back to my prayer closet. If I get TOO comfortable, my prayer life suffers. Fortunately, I seldom have to look far to find the need to chew on another of life's mysteries.

Marsha

[Barbara Moulton]

Many preachers seem to be in the business of stirring up spiritual dissatisfaction in their attempt to move us closer to God. I'm not sure that's really necessary. I think the peace and joy mentioned in the New Testament are truly available to those who choose to follow Christ.


I think you hit the nail on the head (as usual Marsha). I think part of my questioning is a result of trying to reconcile my upbringing with my present experience.

Growing up, every service ended with an altar call and every altar call seemed to be geared to motivate people to dig around and see what was "under the surface" in the lives that wasn't right and consequently required a trip up the aisle. Hence the angst I always felt. I was convinced that I was continuing falling short of what Christ wanted.

One of the things I noticed (and even envied) about my friends from outside the evangelical churches that they seemed to be far less stressed about their Christian life.

God reveals things to me...sometimes gently...sometimes in a "wow" moment. One of the things I find is that it normally begins with a lesson or thought that comes to me during my devotions, reading or prayer. It comes to my mind...it intrigues me...I start to think about it...talk about it with Carl...sometimes talk about it here. And the lesson that God wants to teach me usually comes through that process.

I really like this way of being taught. Hence the contentment.

The reality is that I am still plagued at times by insecurity and self esteem issues. That accounts for what sometimes people read here as defensiveness. Often I am just desperately trying to explain myself. :-)

But deep down, I am content because God has helped me "thus far" and I know that He will continue to help me in the future.

[Jeremy D. Scott]

I wonder if what you are feeling individually happens in the corporate church community as well.

A constant tension that plagues modernity and those of us impacted by modernity is the belief that progress is absent where no measurement can be made. There's certainly nothing wrong with assessment. But overdoing it leads to idolatry (or obsession with the wrong thing).

For instance, we all know about this pervading notion in the Church that the local church isn't successful unless it's growing numerically and statistically (because this can be easily measured). We assume that the fruit spoken of in the bible is quantifiable, when Paul makes it clear that spiritual "fruits" are things of the spirit that can't be easily measured with a ruler or a tally.

Jesus lived this way. He focused on the individual rather than the crowd. He lived in the moment and soaked up the present. I think God's self-identification as "I AM" is quite telling. If we're always drooling for the future, we're missing out on what's happening in the Kingdom right now. Jesus responded to Martha's declaration that there would be a resurrection in the future by saying, "Martha...I AM the resurrection and the life." Similarly, he responded to the people who hungrily followed him looking for "bread from heaven" so that they could fill their bellies by saying, "I AM the living bread."

Rev. Jon Middendorf says it this way, "Count less and party more."

Sometimes I wonder what it would have been like to live in the early Church, when the eschaton was a present reality rather than a cool subject on a theology discussion board as something that might happen at sometime.

[Sara Sheppard]

I wish "reports" were not focused on number, as you bring up Jeremy. I'd love to hear/read pastors report on how many homeless they fed, how many students they tutored, how many widows they helped with home improvement projects. If any number should be reported, it would be the % of worshippers who are also involved in discipleship (s.s. or small group). To me if you have 1000 in worship and 500 in S.S. that is not nearly as great has having 200 in worship and 180 of those in S.S.

Let's focus on the ministry, dare I say, ministery to people we are pretty sure will never actually enter the doors of OUR churches. ;) - ok this is totally off topic...imagine that.

Sara

[Barb Bouldrey]

Barbara,

You mentioned those outside of the evangelical circle who seem more content with their Christian life.

If I believed that when I got saved I was "sealed" for eternity so that it did not matter what I did wrong from then on, I would be more "content."

If I believed I could live anyway I wanted to and just be sure I went to confession occasionally, I would be more "content."

If I believed that all I needed to do was be baptized into a church, attend faithfully and be a good person, I would be more "content."

But because I want to be like Christ and want to live the holy life daily I am always seeking to be MORE like Christ.

I also think that where we are in our life in age and position helps us to be more content with our lives in general. If we are happy in our marriage, family, job, community and church family it helps us be content as a whole person.

We sing, "There is peace in the midst of the storm." We do not sing "We are content in the midst of the storm." Storms pass. Most of the time. Sometimes a storm becomes the lifestyle, such as will living with cancer or being a shut in. Then we have to learn to be content with the Lord in the midst of the storm.

I like my life right now. That makes it easier to be content in ALL things. I have periods of struggle over a burden or discouragement, but I work through them with the Lord.

"Will all those who could be closer to the Lord raise your hand?" UNANIMOUS response.

"Will all of those who would like to be closer to God today than you were yesterday, raise your hand?" UNANIMOUS response.

But that does not mean we cannot be content on the journey.

Barb

[Barbara Moulton]

I am a little uncomfortable with the generalization about non-evangelicals. My experience of those outside the evangelical churches is that many are not like that all.

I think of my 30 volunteer chaplains. Most are not from an evangelical tradition. Some, as I have said here before, could not point to a time when they accepted Christ. Nor would they know what I was talking about if I asked them if they have been "entirely sanctified".

But it takes only a few minutes in their company to know that they are deeply spiritual people on the journey that Christ has directed them to. Their contentment comes from simple acceptance of the reality of God's spirit in them.

I understand that some people are "nominal" Christians. Maybe they are content simply because they believe the things that you have mentioned. But you find nominal Christians in all denominations...not just non-evangleical traditions.

I do want to be growing continuing closer to Christ. Maybe what has changed in me is the road that I believe I need to take to be closer. It's not about spiritual evaluation and re-evalution. I think I went through a time of spirutal navel gazing. It's about waking up every morning and simply acknowledging Christ's presence with me and asking Him to teach me this day.

Barbara,

You mentioned those outside of the evangelical circle who seem more content with their Christian life.

If I believed that when I got saved I was "sealed" for eternity so that it did not matter what I did wrong from then on, I would be more "content."

If I believed I could live anyway I wanted to and just be sure I went to confession occasionally, I would be more "content."

If I believed that all I needed to do was be baptized into a church, attend faithfully and be a good person, I would be more "content."

But because I want to be like Christ and want to live the holy life daily I am always seeking to be MORE like Christ.

I also think that where we are in our life in age and position helps us to be more content with our lives in general. If we are happy in our marriage, family, job, community and church family it helps us be content as a whole person.

We sing, "There is peace in the midst of the storm." We do not sing "We are content in the midst of the storm." Storms pass. Most of the time. Sometimes a storm becomes the lifestyle, such as will living with cancer or being a shut in. Then we have to learn to be content with the Lord in the midst of the storm.

I like my life right now. That makes it easier to be content in ALL things. I have periods of struggle over a burden or discouragement, but I work through them with the Lord.

"Will all those who could be closer to the Lord raise your hand?" UNANIMOUS response.

"Will all of those who would like to be closer to God today than you were yesterday, raise your hand?" UNANIMOUS response.

But that does not mean we cannot be content on the journey.

Barb

[Barbara Moulton]

I wish "reports" were not focused on number, as you bring up Jeremy. I'd love to hear/read pastors report on how many homeless they fed, how many students they tutored, how many widows they helped with home improvement projects. If any number should be reported, it would be the % of worshippers who are also involved in discipleship (s.s. or small group). To me if you have 1000 in worship and 500 in S.S. that is not nearly as great has having 200 in worship and 180 of those in S.S.

Let's focus on the ministry, dare I say, ministery to people we are pretty sure will never actually enter the doors of OUR churches. ;) - ok this is totally off topic...imagine that.

Sara

It's not really off topic. It's interesting that you and Jeremy brought this into the thread because this has been part of my journey as well. You see...our church is small. That used to bother me alot. But in the past year I had a bit of an epiphany.

You see I have been conditioned to believe that bigger was better. That a church was successful when it was big. You would hear people talk about a pastor having a successful ministry. I guess both Carl and I always thought that by the time we were our age we would be in a larger church.

I have come to realize in the last year that a church can be small and unhealthy or small and healthy. And that our church fits into the latter category.

I believe that it is ok if our church doesn't get big. That our ministry to the community through our seminars and counselling has made a signficant impact on many people. Some have come to our church. Some haven't. Some remain in touch with us and I truly believe that if a crisis comes into their lives they would consider talking to us. The number of people present on a Sunday morning doesn't even come close to "capturing" the number of people our church has touched. Carl and I rub shoulders with a lot of people in the community...as do many of our members and attenders. The influence of our little congregation goes far beyond what happens on Sunday morning.

Having said that, I do believe that God has planned growth for our church. It seems like the wind is under our wings.

But I find I am content to simply continue to do what God is directing us to do...leaving the growth in His hands.

[William Hunter]

I think that in some sense, one comes to the place contentment with his spiritual life. For me that is knowing that I have said a "yes" to God (sanctified) that covers any and all things, now and future. If He puts His finger on something, as I come to understand His position/will/desire, for me here, the answer is already settled and I move forward.

On the other hand, are we ever at a place where we can be satisified with ourselves spiritually? I would like to quote a short illustration by Dallas Willard in his newest book, "The Great Omission (Reclaiming Jesus's essential teachings on discipleship)." On page 23 we read: "Some time ago I came to realize that I did not love the people next door. They were, by any standards, dangerous and unpleasant people---ex-bikers who made their living selling drugs.
"They had never tried to harm my family, but the constant traffic of people buying drugs, a number of whom sat in the yard while shooting up, began to wear down my patience. As I brooded over them one day, indulging my irritation, the Lord helped me see that I really had no love for them at all, that after 'suffering' from them for several years I would secretly be happy if they had died so that we could just be rid of them. I realized how little I truely cared for nearly all the peoplke I dealt with through the day, even when on 'religious business.' I had to admit that I had never earnestly sought to be possessed by God's kind of love, to become more like Jesus. Now it was time to seek."

Then Willard asks the question: "Butit is possible to be like Jesus? Can we actually have the character of the heavenly Father?" Can we truely be "imitators of God, as beloved children"? (Eph. 5:1

I am watching two Christians who do not realize they are having their thinking and worldview dictated to them by another who tells things that are false and outright lies about yet another person; this one who controls the thinking of the others does not think the church should be run any other way than like a business whose bottom line is money and not souls---and they do not get it. One seems to live so close to just being saved that they are under constant temptation in areas of past spiritual defeat. Instead of working to get as far into Christ as possible, allowing God to make those temptations irrelivatnt in their life, they stay near the point of salvation instead of bringing all of their life under the Lordship of Christ.
Then another seems to become irritated at a gentle and quiet cautioning in one area, though after some verbal venting, we see them moving into the area that was brought to their attention and making changes.
As I watch all of this I see attitudes of bitterness towards others being displayed' I do not see the kind of Christlike love Michael Lodahl speaks of in his book, "When Love Bends Down." Lodahl and Willard are challenging my own spiritual place. Yes in some ways I am satisfied, but as I gain new light and watch others who know the same Christ I do and see how they live, I am determined to not ever be satisified with where I am spiritually. I do not want to live at these low levels of Christlikeness. When we do it is almost like having a low-grade fever that makes us feel not so good, but not quite ill enough to seek out a doctor's help.
I may have taken this much farther than you have intended, and I agree with a certain type of spiritual satisfaction, but as I watch some others in the faith I am determinied to move as far into Christ as I can get for I do not want to live on such low spiritual levels, levels of nit-picking, poor attitudes toward another in the family, and not moving far enough into Christ to see His strength give powerful victory of temptations. God has so much better for us than that. As I look at Lodahl's picture of Christ, I can a long way to go and I want to be on that way, instead of stuck at levels that are so unfulfilling.

[Barbara Moulton]

I think that in some sense, one comes to the place contentment with his spiritual life. For me that is knowing that I have said a "yes" to God (sanctified) that covers any and all things, now and future. If He puts His finger on something, as I come to understand His position/will/desire, for me here, the answer is already settled and I move forward. .

Thanks William for this way of putting it. I feel that is where I am right now.

On the other hand, are we ever at a place where we can be satisified with ourselves spiritually? .

Oh my goodness no! I am not satisfied with me. :-)

But I can be satisfied with what God is doing in my life right.

[William Hunter]

My question was more of a general rhetorical question. I think most of us here feel as you do, we see room for God to move in our lives, but we are glad to see He is moving.

I think this has been a productive thread your question opened for us who have participated. I hope we see a few more entries. They make us think, as does the reading we all do that challenges us a deep spiritual levels. Thanks for the good original post that caused some good discussion here.




Thanks William for this way of putting it. I feel that is where I am right now.



Oh my goodness no! I am not satisfied with me. :-)

But I can be satisfied with what God is doing in my life right.

[Anne and Dwayne Hood]

We can be contented in the fact that "We know whom we haved believed." --and that "He is able to keep us." But, we must do our part. Yes, Sara, I think the things outside of church that a church has acomplished is very important. I think the they would be happy at the District Assembly, if ministers told one short item, or something wonderful along that line, that had been accomplished for others and the glory of God. The people have the churches stats before them. Some ministers have carried extra heavy loads during the year, or they have seen something accomplished during the year that has been an object of prayer for a long time. They don't have time to listen to these things anymore. There are some things that could be left out, in order to let those burdened down with care, or excited about the answer to a prayer. but, they don't have time for these things anymore. Sometimes, it would be good if we had time, to set that person in a chair, lay on hands, and pray for them. I know it is about business, but bearing one another's burdens and joys are also part of what the business of the kingdom is about.

[Billy Cox]

Now I know that Paul said he had learned to be content so on the one hand you might say yes, it's right to be content...whatever the circumstances.

I think it is worth comparing Paul's discussion of contentment with his younger and wilder days as recorded in the book of Acts. (after conversion) He was basically a loose cannon just itching to go the way of Stephen and the believers more than once had to smuggle him out of a tough situation.

It is notable that Paul talks about contentment in every circumstance when he was near the end of his ministry, under house arrest.

[Barb Bouldrey]

As usual, I have to further explain myself. I get myself into this situation all the time here.

I was not necessarily refering to any of those non-evangelical Christians as nominal Christians.

I actually was trying to say that if I believed any of those things MYSELF, it would ease the pressure I might feel to be constantly "measuring up" or "soul searching." I would feel more contentment because in my mind I had done or was doing everything right as I had been taught.

For instance. If I believed in once-saved-always-saved, it would ease my burden for my son and I would be more content with his current lifestyle. I have the vivid memories of his spiritual victories in the past. But I cannot be content that those past victories would cover him today.

Working with ministerial alliances in small towns for 37 years and then studying together in Bible Study Fellowship with ladies of all denominations, I have met some very faithful, godly, holy people from many denominations...and some of them are not evangelical denominations.

But I believe that some doctrines from some non-evangelical denominations make it easier to be content with spiritual life. I just hope that everyone in those denominations stay right with God, in spite of their doctrines. Nazarenes included.

Barb

[Barbara Moulton]

I actually was trying to say that if I believed any of those things MYSELF, it would ease the pressure I might feel to be constantly "measuring up" or "soul searching." I would feel more contentment because in my mind.....

I believe that some doctrines from some non-evangelical denominations make it easier to be content with spiritual life. I just hope that everyone in those denominations stay right with God, in spite of their doctrines. Nazarenes included.

Barb

I appreciate what you are saying.

So conversely, are there any beliefs that we are raised with in the holiness denominations that make it more difficult to find a sense of peace?

The emphasis of the crisis infilling of the spirit for victory over sin coupled with the long list of things that were deemed sinful, set me up for a very difficult spiritual journey. For I would surrender and believe that I had experienced what I was being urged to experience. Yet in my day to day life that would follow, I wouldn't live up to what was held up as holiness.

As I look back on my teenage years, I realize that for a young Christian I did pretty well. The desperate desire of my heart was to please God. I would take books on holiness to school and read them...trying to grasp what it was that I was doing wrong. Angst? I had it in abundance.

If I was counselling a young teen of the same ilk now I would tell her to relax in the loving presence of God and know that He rejoiced in her desire to please Him. That indeed holiness was reflected in the desire of her heart to please God. The mistakes and trips that she had along the way were no reason for her to think she had to go back to the drawing board :)

That sense of failing in the pursuit of holiness stayed with me for many, many years...well into my adult life....and certainly made contentment seem far out of reach.

[Barb Bouldrey]

Barbara,

I believe that those who were raised in the strictest, most legalistic atmospheres in their home and/or local churches faced what you faced as a child, teen and young adult. Some were raised thinking, "I just cannot ever be good enough." because they were trying to measure up to a list of standards and attitudes that kept them feeling inferior.

There is such freedom in coming to Jesus, "Just as I Am" and realizing that Jesus loves me just as I am. And after 42 years of walking with Him, He still loves me just as I am, even though I have not yet attained the final goal.

There is freedom and contentment in knowing that right now, today, I am right with God and ready for Heaven, even knowing that I often disappoint Him in my words or actions. I don't have to achieve being faultless. I just need to stay blameless in His sight. And that is not hard to do when I love Him so much and He loves me so much. I enjoy being a Christian.

Barb

[Anne and Dwayne Hood]

We can be content in our relationship with Christ. The Holy Spirit lets us know if we need to make changes. Anyway, there is a big difference in contentment and complacency. (sp0

[Anne and Dwayne Hood]

Barbara, I well understand how being raised in a very strict home, and being taught Holiness to the point that it seemed no one could obtain it, could cause you problems for many adult years. I was raised the same way. I fully feel that God permitted me to go through the heartaches and sufferings that I have experienced to 1: Better be His hand extended to others, and
2: to be able to better realize what He had done for me
I was raised never being given approval, always wrong, never being considered that I measured up to the point of being a Christian, not allowed to make my own decisions, etc.
It has has caused me so much grief. Today, I am a living miracle in more ways than one. I am very happy, and feel God's abiding peace within. Also, I am a living miracle to be alive. I would never say things to our children that were said to me.