Contentment and Ambition

We had quite a turn out and quite a lively discussion tonight.  The topic was Contentment and Ambition, led by Karen.  To begin, Karen asked us if the word "ambition" was seen as a positive or negative when we first began the chapter.  Some said negative, and others positive.  One said she thought of a mover or shaker, or an up and coming movie star...someone who is self-promoting.  Others thought of it as a good, one siting the example of Melissa B. being a good example of ambition, or someone using the gifts that God has given them for good, or a man providing for his family. 

We then talked about positive examples of being ambitious.  Proverbs 31 was mentioned right away as an example of virtuous ambition.  Then there is having an ambition to know the word better, or to grow in grace, spread the gospel, to serve the body and to pray more for others. 

And, then it was on to contentment.  I think this topic leaves none untouched...we all struggle with this one!  Here are some ideas and helps that came up as ways to battle discontent:

• change our focus by memorizing scripture, listing things we are thankful for or praying (as in the case of being discontent with a troublesome neighbor...consider praying for them instead!)
• Value what we DO have, by thanking God for His provisions
• See discontent as sin and then mortify it
• Look at the root of why we want the things that we want and get to the heart of our discontent
• budget...and live within it

Here are some specific tools given to us by Karen:

If we are discontent with material things we can

• clean it
• organize it
• or purge it

For example, if we are discontent with our car, try cleaning it, washing it and waxing it.

Also...throw out catalogs before opening them.

"Contentment makes poor men rich,
Discontent makes rich men poor.”  
Benjamin Franklin

Lastly contentment = Peace :)

Thanks Karen!