“I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content...And having food and raiment let us be therewith content...be content with such things as ye have...Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ”
( Phil. 4:11;1 Tim. 6:8; Heb. 13:5;Eph. 5:20)
I personally do not believe it possible to be thankful and discontented at the same time. Contentment is a prerequisite to thankfulness! If contentment does not come before thankfulness, you can be sure thankfulness will not follow after. Complaining is a sure sign of the absence of contentment; thus, it cancels out a thankful spirit.
Discontent will keep one from being thankful for what they do have. As the Puritan Thomas Watson said, “A drop or two of vinegar will sour a whole glass of sweet wine.” He went on to say, “The devil blows on the coals of discontent, and then warms himself at the fire.” Jacob said, “All these things are against me”; but just the opposite was true, as in our case.
“The ‘Thank Offering’ of the Old Testament was not mandatory, it was voluntary.”
(rds)
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