Four Words of Healing – a thought inspired by Nancy Ortberg who gave the four words.
In these days of recession, the collapse of International banking, High street closures, rising debt and unemployment, the need for a clear proclamation of the saving message of Jesus and the transforming power He brings are critical. As we witness the fruits of greed, lust and deceit that have driven so many for so long, the Bible speaks four counter cultural words of wisdom that enable us to live well and to live for His glory. Of course, the sins of greed, lust and deceit are found in every area of life, not only financial; and the shipwrecks of relational and material greed surround us.
Four words of healing wisdom are
ENOUGH – Proverbs 25:16 says “If you find honey, eat just enough – too much of it, and you will vomit” It has been said many times that those with plenty never seem to know when how much of what they have is enough. They are always driven by that little phrase, 'just a little bit more'. We need to learn the discipline of what it is to say with gladness ‘enough’.
CONTENT – 1 Timothy: 6:6-7 says “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.” Our ultimate satisfaction and fulfilment can only be found in the depth of our relationship to Jesus. As believers in Christ being transformed by His Spirit do we find ourselves content?
GRATEFUL – In the last chapter of Romans we discover that the Apostle Paul was ‘grateful’ for his fellow workers Priscilla and Aquila and it underlines that attitude of gratitude that should characterise all the followers of Jesus. Who are you grateful to God for today? Who or what fills your heart to a place of overflowing gratitude? If they or it are God honouring relationships, activities or blessings then let your gratefulness be manifest by how you live.
GENEROUS – Proverbs 11: 25 says “A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed” An exhortation and a promise combined, that delivers to both giver and receiver the thirst quenching, soul satisfying refreshment that is needed. It seems that generosity is what refreshes the part that other attributes cannot reach.
Every Blessing
John
