The focus of this past Sunday's sermon was about being content and I really appreciated the pastor's effort to open people's eyes and minds. In today's society many people seem geared to see with their minds instead of their hearts and quite often people have to surpass obstacles and challenges in order to fully understand what I'm talking about. A young man named Liu Wei from China who had lost his arms in a childhood accident inspired the sermon after an incredible performance on China's Got Talent ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9DilOIZMu4 ). Those who've never experienced difficulties have no reason to change their view, what they've always done seems to work for them regardless of how they feel about their lives. Liu is a charming example of why we need to appreciate what we do have and make the best of our lives regardless of our situations.

Here are a few passages from the service to encourage and strengthen those who are having a hard time finding contentment or acceptance:

II Corinthians 12:7-10

...So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud. Three different times, I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, "My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness." So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That's why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Philippians 4:10-13

How I praise the Lord that you are concerned about me again. I know you have always been concerned for me, but you didn't have the chance to help me. Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Even so, you have done well to share with me in my present difficulty.

Galatians 6:3-5

If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important. Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won't need to compare yourself to anyone else. For we are each responsible for our own conduct.

An example the pastor cited was about how we compare ourselves or even our children to others and suddenly find ourselves bitter at what we don't have that we fail to see our own (or our children's) potential. If you've been comparing yourself to those with hair and negating your own potential, STOP! Liu Wei is but one shining example of contentment and acceptance. If you should compare yourself to someone else let it be someone who has a greater challenge so that you may look to them for guidance and inspiration. God Bless!