Got Fruit ?

At the time of this writing it’s approximately T-minus 2 hours and 26 minutes (translation: it’s 9:34 CST) till 2008 rolls in out here in Sooner land AKA The land of tornadoes, The University of North Texas better known as OU Sooner football, OSU football apologists, exiles from the country of Texas, dirt, dust, ragweed, Bison, psychotic weather, and Oh! Did I mention oil? Or so I’m told. T-minus 2 hours and 21 minutes until 2008 (I type by way of the “Hunt & Peck” method).

Soooo… since CHRISTmas day, I’ve had an idea of what this post would be about. I suppose I could have drafted the thing several days ago, but there’s something to be said for writing a post on the fly, or by the seat of your pants, by which I mean; just going with whatever thoughts come to mind. Haven’t quite nailed the “hook” yet, the catchy Post Title to cause drive-by visitors to pause and say to themselves (or out loud) “Hmmm, lemme check this out!”. The topic will of course be about the New Year.

T-minus 2 hours and 12 minutes until the year 2008 is officially upon us. Oh, don’t fret, your not going to get 2 more hours and 10 minutes worth of countdown, more like 2 hours and …… 8 minutes worth. So on with the show….

Over the past few weeks, between church (not “church”) and visiting various blogs, the true meaning of the CHRISTmas holiday has been explained, discussed, dissected and reflected… upon. So what better way to follow up than with the accompanying part of the Seasonal (not Mrs. Dash) Greeting: “Merry CHRISTmas & a Happy New Year” , particularly the “happy” portion of the greeting, saying, salutation or whatever bigger word you may care to use (I’m a simple guy with a simple mind so please, no words over 4 syllables).

Please excuse me, while I digress for a moment (Sweet!! I’ve been soo wanting to use that word!) Along time ago in a galaxy far-far away…

Sorry…. Back in the merry month of May or so, I had a conversation with a friend & minister who shall remain nameless. The conversation was about divorce, re-marriage and scripture; the scripture referenced in the conversation comes from Mark 10:11 and Luke 16:18. What both verses basically tell Christians is that if they do, d-i-v–o-r-c-e, then to remarry is to commit adultery. The “out” to this is found in 1st Corinthians 7:39, (No Joey Buttafuco! Thou shalt not make cause to have thy ex “whacked” in effort to come into union with thy keeper of yon babes). Anywho let’s get back on track of being off track so that we can get back on track.

T-minus 1 hour and 45 minutes…

So in the conversation it was bought up by mwa (meaning “me”, work with me, I’m too lazy to Google it), that the final word then for d-i-v-o-r-c-e-d Christians, is that remarrying is no longer an option behind doors #1, 2 nor 3. My friend, which has truly have been a blessing these past months, explains (not verbatim) “Yes, the Scripture says that, but God also wants us to be “happy”. (Dramatic pause as you ponder this) This thought of “happiness” has been on my mind every since then.

We’re done digressing now. T-minus 1 hour & 32 minutes, till I get to run out of my apartment, probably in my boxers, hang over the balcony and shouting out to the world, or at least the neighborhood: “Happy New Year!”

Nah, scratch that.. instead, I’m going with “Content New Year!”, and here’s why.

Happiness is a nice word that can be used to mask, our real intention, pursuit of carnal gratification and desires. In the quickest sense: How can you be pursuing God if your pursuing your “heartfelt” desires?

Here’s some Scripture to hopefully express where I’m going:

Jeremiah 17:9 (NIV)
The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?

Job 36:11-13 (NIV)
11 If they obey and serve him, they will spend the rest of their days in prosperity and their years in contentment. 12 But if they do not listen, they will perish by the sword and die without knowledge. 13 “The godless in heart harbor resentment; even when he fetters them, they do not cry for help.

Obedience produces prosperity and contentment. Contentment is…

1st Timothy 6: 6-8 (NIV)
6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.

1st Timothy 6; 6-8 addresses the love of money, however I think that Scripture can serve multiple purposes. The key is that verse 6 tells us that “godliness with contentment is great gain“.

Philippians 4:11-13(NIV)
11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.

The point then, from a Scriptural perspective is that it appears with certainty that God desires for us to be content. Content in Him, by obeying and trusting in Him. Content in His ways. Content in His wisdom. Content in abiding by His Laws. I think that once we find how to be content in His grace and mercy, we then can truly be “happy”.

T-minus 54 minutes and counting …I wish you all grace, peace and a “Content life of obedience, prosperity, and great gain in the New Year”.

C.A. Stallworth