I have learned in whatsoever state I am; therewith to be content

Phil4:11b

            In the fallen kingdom to which most of us live, we always want more.  We imagine if we had lots of money and all the latest gadgets we would be happy.  When Jesus was at the feast in John chapter seven he cries to the people who are having fun, “if any man thirsts, let him come unto me and drink.”  If you are not a part of the kingdom of God then when the night is over and the party is finished, you will be as dead and empty as you were before the party began.  All the money in the world and all the latest toys will not bring true contentment.  But if you are in the kingdom of God, you don't need a party to have peace and love and joy.  There is plenty of things to appreciate in life, that if we have the proper disposition and nature, we can rest content.  From trees to flowers to star lit skies, from cats to dogs to sweet sounding birds, from sun to rain to a brisk flowing breeze by having the right disposition one can truly be content.  Jesus tells us to consider lilies and ravens and all of nature.  If we learn the secret of contentment not only will joy abound but we will also be in the right spiritual place to receive other blessings from God.  By not being resentful, jealous, bitter, judgmental, unforgiving, and spiteful we can ask things of God which we can expect to receive.  St. John in chapter three of his first epistle says “if our heart condemns us God is greater than our heart and knows all things” but if we are at peace then whatsoever we ask of God we will receive because “we keep his commandments and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.” 

            We enter the kingdom of God through love and obedience.  When we love as Jesus loved, when we give expecting nothing in return, when we forgive those who trespass against us, we are doing things that are pleasing in his sight.  If we have not entered the kingdom of God but are living in the kingdom of our first birth then it is time to repent and ask Jesus into our heart and ask to be filled with the Holy Spirit.  Unless we enter the kingdom of God we are in danger of eternal damnation.  Only those who do the will of God will enter the kingdom.  Many will say haven't we spoke prophesy, haven't we done many marvelous things in thy name and Jesus will say I never knew you (Matt7:22-23)