Have you ever encountered a troublemaker? I know that churches are full of them, but not just churches but pretty much wherever people are assembled. I had a stepmother who actually got kicked out of her church because she could not be happy unless she was wagging her tongue and stirring the pot. She did the same in my home and it finally reached a point where I called her out for it and refused to allow her to so much as the right to set foot in my home.
The Apostle Paul had plenty to say about troublemakers in the church in1 Tim. 1-17 and again in Philippians. In a nutshell he said that they will ruin a church if the congregation allows them to continue. He maintained that Christ is our peace and it is through Him that we can know peace and contentment. Be anxious for nothing but in everything in prayer and supplication let your requests be known to God and the “peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and mind through Jesus”.
Paul goes on to say he has been abased and hungry but he has abounded. He has suffered need but then he states: But I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. He reinforces the notion that circumstances do not affect him. He can have plenty or suffer greatly but his faith remains steadfast and true. He does not allow circumstance to take away Christ’s peace.
If you are never content with what you have and covet your neighbor’s wife, possessions, money, or whatever I urge you to do as Paul did and be content with what you have. If you want something just out of reach then pray for longer arms, but don’t develop a jealous heart. You might consider that God just might be aware that if He were to grant your wish it just might destroy you . . . Wealth comes to mind . . .
1 Timothy 6:6
But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.