Article December 4, 1915 Issue

From Our Exchanges

with contributions from James Mudge, George Rowland Dodson, Alfred Williams Anthony, Mary E. Woolley, Canon J. G. Adderley

[American Lutheran Survey]

"Having food and raiment let us be therewith content." The adjuration of the apostle needs to be repeated again and again. If we would be content, satisfied, and happy in this life, we must be satisfied with daily bread. The Lord has taught us to pray, "Give us this day our daily bread." He points us to the lilies of the field and the birds of the air, that we may learn from them contentment. Discontent is the destroyer of happiness, and results from our lack of satisfaction with the daily provision for life. Greed, avarice, covetousness, and a long train of sinful desires, grow like weeds in the heart which has not learned the lesson of contentment with food and raiment. God would have His children care free and happy.

The contentment of which the apostle speaks is more than a philosophy. It is not based on selfish considerations; it is the work of the Holy Spirit in the heart. As such it is of divine origin and nurture. It springs from a living faith in God's loving care and providence. This contentment should be the sign-manual of every Christian. It helps him to mental poise and equilibrium. It steadies his purpose and gives sanity to his judgments. It renders him helpful and comforting to his fellow men, who thus learn from him the secret of a happy life.

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