Minimalism: The Japanese Art of Declutter to Organize Your Home Life (2018) by Kiku Katana, Somewhat REVIEW

 

Minimalism: The Japanese Art of Declutter to Organize Your Home Life (2018)
by Kiku Katana

One of my habits while reading a book is that I also take time to listen to the author’s interviews and/or talks on podcasts and YouTube and, if available, I listen to the audiobook. In this way, I can absorb more information, catch what I might miss when I’m just reading it and figure how the author thinks or the reasoning process. Also, it helps me to know what is his or her main points (if you can find the author’s TED Talks online that would be superb!). If I’m very interested in the subject, I explore other authors or speakers that cover the same topic. Because of this habit (or rather discipline?), I can somewhat figure out either the author is original – in a sense of the way the author expressing the thoughts or ideas not the actual subject itself, for “there is nothing new under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 1:9) – or just straight-up plagiarizing.

So, what do I think about Kiku Katana’s Minimalism? Well, to put it mildly, she falls in between. Before this book, I’ve read Marie Kondo’s The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up and Fumio Sasaki’s Goodbye, Things, and Kiku draws heavily from these two books. It is not word-for-word or even thought-for-thought similarities but more like paraphrasing ideas and techniques. Although it is very familiar, repetitive, and not-so-original for me, I find that this book is helpful: 1) as an introduction if you haven’t read any of the minimalist books (one of the definitions of a minimalist that I like is someone who “keeping things very simple”); 2) to remind us that we are living in a very consumeristic society that wants more and so we must examine ourselves and control our impulses to be passive consumers; and 3) the approach to extend the philosophy holistically in our lives not just our dealing with things or stuff is seem unique to Kiku for she also talks about health, finance, and food consumptions. Other than that, it is similar to other books (and most of the popular authors are from Japan, the same culture). Understandably, the subject of minimalism is not that broad and straight to the point. If you ‘get’ the philosophy, then, the execution is a matter of context, purpose, and experience.

I own only less than a dozen of plain t-shirts, use a plastic cardholder as my wallet, I don’t watch TV, no wall decoration in my place so far, almost non-active in social media except for LEGASI.tv, only leave essential apps on my phone, no debt except one, etc., I’m not calling myself a minimalist because a) I might change; b) I’m a maximalist when it comes to physical books and motorcycles; c) It should become a lifestyle not just following the trend; and d) although the term ‘minimalism’ (and even ‘essentialism’) first use as an art term*, I found out that the modern-day teachings of it are rooted from the Zen Buddhism (the practice, however, are ancient). This requires discernment. One of the mottos of minimalism is: “Less is more.” But as Christ-follower, my motto is: “Godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Timothy 6:6). If it seems like I go with the minimalist mentality, it is because it will lead me to contentment 😊💪

#1Book1Week #ServeToLead #LeadersAreReaders #GrowingLeaders #LetsMakeReadingCoolAgain #Minimalism #Essentialism #GodlyContentment #Lifestyle

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THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

 

BOOK REVIEW – Crushing It! How Great Entrepreneurs Build Their Business and Influence – and How You Can, Too (2018) by Gary Vaynerchuk

Gary Vaynerchuk or GaryVee, is a Russian-American entrepreneur, author, speaker and internet personality. It’s you’re an entrepreneur (or wanna-be) and active in social media, you’ll know him. In his 2009 international bestseller Crust It!, Gary insisted that a vibrant personal brand was crucial to entrepreneurial success. In Crushing It!, 9 years later, Gary explains why that’s even truer today, offering his unique perspective on what has changed and what principles remain timeless.

How do I know Gary? Through social media, books, and podcasts. How Gary makes a difference in my life? Because of his in-your-face advice and sometimes renegade wisdom, I start again using Instagram again and created a Twitter account to share my materials on leadership, leadership, and creativity – in short, my personal brand. Also, when my blog URL was blocked on Facebook last month, I have to find another way to spread my brand. Wala!? Create videos and share them on YouTube! It’s not because of Gary alone, of course, but one of the cheerleaders is him. So you can see how valuable this book is to me personally.

There are two (2) parts in this book:

Part 1: Get Pumped. Here Gary tells the importance of building your personal brand, turn your passion into profit, eight things that really matter to “Crushing It!” (Namely, 1) Intent, 2) Authenticity, 3) Passion, 4) Patience, 5) Speed, 6) Work, 7) Attention, and 8) Content. I shared briefly in the video), advised his readers to document rather than creating, reveals the reasons what stopping people from “Crushing It!” and a chapter on giving yourself permission to just do it! I’m pumped up after I finished reading this part.

Part 2: Create Your Pillar. Basically, this part is all about practicality. There are three (3) basics thing that you HAVE to do: 1) create a Facebook page; 2) the importance of using hashtags#, and 3) encouragement to collaborate and partner with others. Then he devotes each chapter to explain about Musical.ly, Snapchat, Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Podcasts and Voice-First. Worth reading it! Gary also tells the stories at the end of each chapter how others used his timeless principles in “Crush It!” to build their businesses and influence.

#LetsMakeReadingCoolAgain

Want to Buy Book(s)? https://my.carousell.com/richard_angelus/

Blog: https://richardangelus.me

IG: https://instagram.com/richard_angelus

Twitter: https://twitter.com/angelus_richard

YouTube: https://youtu.be/GW-6NTrAmRE

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Things I Wish My Father Knew #10 When Financial Pressure Arise Again

Utility payments,

auto expenses,

Study loan,

children schools,

is there no end to them?

Just about the time you think

you are going to get out

from under it all,

something happens and

the money-go-round begins again.

Perhaps you think

the problems would be solved

if only you had more money.

But would they?

It seems that even when

there is more money,

there just never seems to be enough.

You have a Heavenly Father

who is concerned about

the financial pressure you feel.

The bills will probably keep coming,

all earthly belongings

may be lost,

the pressure may continue,

but rest assured –

God will always be with you.

Remember, your Heavenly Father knows

all about those problems –

those situations that test,

develop and expand your faith.

“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.

I can do everything

through him

who gives me strength”

(Philippians 4:12-13)

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Letters to Annie: Don’t Worry about Others’ Opinions

Dear Annie,

            Love, I just want to share with you this story…

            A variation on one of Aesop’s fables tells of a wise man whose son was ashamed to leave the house because he thought other people would think him ugly. The father told him that he shouldn’t worry so much what other people though, and to follow his own mind and heart. To make the point, the father asked his son to join him on his trips to the market over the next few days.

On the first day, the father rode the donkey, and the child walked alongside. As they travelled they could hear passersby criticizing the father for making a small child walk in the heat of the day.

On the second day, the child rode the donkey, while the father walked alongside him. This time people commented about how disrespectful the child was for making an old man walk while he rode in comfort.

On the third day they entered the market, both walking alongside the donkey. They heard the people saying how stupid they were: “Do they not know that donkeys are for riding?”

The following day, both father and son rode on the donkey, and people expressed their indignation about how cruel they were to burden the animal in such a way.

On the fifth day they carried the donkey on their backs. Everyone in the market laughed and ridiculed them.

The wise man then turned to his son and said: “You see, regardless of what you do, there’ll always be people who will disapprove. Therefore, don’t worry about others’ opinions, and do what you think is just and right.”

I think you might need this: Annie, if you are constantly worried about what other people think, you will never get to where you need to go in life. You are going to have to do things that don’t always meet people’s standards. You will come into situations where you have to put your pride, and your reputation on the line to get what God wants you to have in life. If you are constantly worried about what people are thinking, you will never have the will to do what’s right. God’s approval matters the most; while people’s approval will expired soon.

I love you,

Rich

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Young Men, Consider the Returning Jesus

“I will come back” (John 14:3, NIV)

The return of Christ to earth is the denouement toward which the Church has been looking for centuries. “Our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed” (Romans 13:11) and so is the second coming of our Lord. It is not only the object of our anticipation, but of admonition to very practical Christian duties. A careful study will reveal that this event is linked to every great doctrine and ethical duty.

It sounds a call to consecration (means the separation of oneself from things that are unclean, especially anything that would contaminate one’s relationship with a perfect God). “Look, I come like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake and remains clothed, so as not to go naked and be shamefully exposed” (Revelation 16:15). We are to be careful in keeping our garments of the soul stainless. Are we as careful in this realm as we are of the garments we wear? When others see our garments, they see us. We are to “clothed with Christ” (Galatians 3:27 or “put on”) so that others will see Him when they see us. In these Laodicea days our Lord counsels us to “buy from me… white clothes to wear…” (Revelation 3:18).

His return carries with it the assurance of reward. “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me” (Revelation 22:12). There is a tendency to regard the reward motive as a commercializing of Christianity, but it played a prominent part in the thinking of the early Church. Paul frequently refers to it, as did his Master. Some Christians piously protest that they will be content with the lowest place in heaven, but this is false humility and could be a cloak of spiritual lethargy. “Run in such a way as to get the prize,” that is, the promised reward (1 Corinthians 9:24). It any case, rewards are not given. They are earned. Heavenly rewards are for earthly renunciations.

The second coming is an encouragement to continuance. “I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown” (Revelation 3:11). In Hebrews 2:1 we are exhorted not to drift away from the truth we have heard. The ascended Lord urges us to hold fast what we already have, lest our reward be taken by someone else. His imminent return provides the motive for this. There may still be years before this blessed hope is realized. Let us fill the days with sacrificial service. Spiritual idleness/laziness means eternal loss.

[Edited, modified and modernized from Consider Him (1976) by J. Oswald Sanders]

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Abram Let God Makes the Decision (Genesis 13:5-11)

“Now Lot, who was moving about with Abram, also had flocks and herds and tents. But the land could not support them while they stayed together, for their possessions were so great that they were not able to stay together. And quarreling arose between Abram’s herders and Lot’s… So Abram said to Lot, ‘Let’s not have any quarreling between you and me, or between your herders and mine, for we are close relatives. Is not the whole land before you? Let’s part company. If you go to the left, I’ll go to the right; if you go to the right, I’ll go to the left.’ Lot looked around and saw that the whole plain of the Jordan toward Zoar was well watered, like the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt… So Lot chose for himself the whole plain of the Jordan and set out toward the east”
(Genesis 13:5-11, NIV).

When there was a conflict between Abram’s servants and Lot’s, Abram extended a graciousness that was similar to the grace he had received from God. The two households (uncle and nephew) would have to go their separate ways. As the elder relative, Abram had every right to dictate to his nephew the terms of the separation. But he didn’t. He let Lot choose which land to take. Wow!

Why was Abram willing to leave that most important decision to another? Perhaps he understood that neither he nor Lot was making the decision. God was at work, and God was the One who would be giving Abram the land he wanted Abram to have.

As it turned out, Lot’s choice to settle in the “well-watered” plains of the Jordan didn’t make him a great patriarch. Life among the wicked cities of the plains – including Sodom and Gomorrah – wrecked Lot’s family (read Genesis chapter 18 and 19). God rewarded Abram’s act of faith, on the other hand, with a renewal of His promise: “All the land that you see I will give to you and your offspring forever” (Genesis 13:15). That land, by the way, included the Jordan Valley, which Abram had just given to Lot!

I like what Ray Stedman writes, “Everyone dwells in a world exactly like that of Abram and Lot. A world in which material values constantly clamor for us to make a choice. We have only so much time to invest, so much life to spend, and we are pressured to try to grab the best for ourselves while we can. We can say with Lot, ‘I want what the world can offer me now, I want the cities of the plain.’ Or we may wait with Abram, content with our tent and altar, enjoying the blessings of the land by faith now, and waiting for God's fulfillment of all His promises in that wonderful age yet to come. The Christian who is content to let God make his choices finds it easy to fulfill the New Testament word: ‘Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Amen.

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Letters to Annie: Be Content and Grateful, Don't Be Trapped by Envy

Dear Annie,

            I miss you… Today I have to remind myself that I shouldn’t be envious of other couple’s intimacy and romance by comparing our long-distance relationship with theirs. I’m sorry because I felt that way. I want to be honest with you. I was struggling about it. Thank God because He strengthen me through His Word: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud” (1 Corinthians 13:4). God’s love in us doesn’t make us envy of others. I prayed about it and God have replaced my envious heart, that demonic-inspired envious to contentment and gratitude. It’s true when Charles Swindoll says, “When you worry about what you don’t have, you won’t be able to enjoy what you do have.” For a moment I forget that I got you! I love you! I thank God for every moment that we have together.

            Dear love, because we’re frail, imperfect human beings, we are sometimes envious of others. But God’s Word warns us that envy is sin. Thus, we must guard ourselves against the natural tendency to feel resentment and jealously when other people experience good fortune or great relationships. As believers, Annie, you and I, we have absolutely no reason to be envious of any people or couple on earth [Yeah!]. After all, as Christians we are already recipients of the greatest gift in all creation: God’s grace. We have been promised the gift of eternal life through God’s only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, and we must count that gift as our most precious possession. When we trust God and submit our relationship under Christ lordship, obedient to God’s Word – we have the greatest relationship of ALL! The unbelievers should be envious of us instead.

            Rather than succumbing to the sin of envy (like I was), we should focus on the marvellous things that God has done for us. And we must refrain from preoccupying ourselves with the blessings that God has chosen to give others. Dave Ramsey wisely said, “Contentment comes when we develop an attitude of gratitude for the important things we do have in our lives that we tend to take for granted if we have our eyes staring longingly at our neighbour’s stuff.” Our relationship is unique from everyone else. So we shouldn’t compare and envious of others. We must start counting our blessings and let others count theirs. It’s a godly way to live!

I surely learned this: feeling of envy will rob me of happiness and peace.

I will not allow myself to be robbed! You too, okay? We’re unique couple :)

You’re God’s gift to me,

I love you so much,

Richard

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Be God's Children, Not to Compete with One Another

All forms of competition are hostile. They may seem friendly on the surface but the prime motivation is to be or do ‘better than’ the next person. “Okay, you win!” said another, and I was puzzled. “Since when I compete with you,” I replied, “This is not a competition.” When I gave suggestions to my friend, she responded with raised eyebrow, “Oh well, you’re more creative than me.” I was surprised by her respond. I never thought of competing who among us is the most creative person in the ministry. I just want to help.

Remember this: We were placed on this earth to love and create, not to compete. If competition is used as our basic motivation to do anything, it will literally conspire against us and defeat ourselves every time. What I’m saying is that the purpose of life is to BE God’s children, not to compete with one another. As one teacher puts is, “I’m for me, not against anyone!”

Although it may appear that the world is a competitive place, it is only competitive to those who feel the need to compete. God’s children don’t have to compete. But sadly, most people will reject this idea because of their childhood training, where competition was rated right up there with how many A’s and who’s closes to 100% mark. If you ask them if they think competition is healthy, they will reply, with great enthusiasm, that it is not only healthy but necessary! They feel, like I was, that it gives life meaning, purpose and direction; that a person needs a reward for doing a ‘good job’ and ‘better than’ others. It never occurs to them that the reward is in the BEcoming as the result of doing, not in the end result itself.

We compete with others only when we are unsure of ourselves, insecure of our own abilities and our doubt as God’s children. Competition is merely imitation. It originates in early childhood from our need to copy others. The competitive person feels that others are better than he and sets to prove otherwise. He is struggles to surpass those he feels are superior. In effect, he is always comparing himself to people around them. The competitive person always needs someone else to validate how well he is doing. Beware.

God’s children, those who are abide in Christ, on the other hand, does not feel the need to compete – they are content with themselves. They don’t need to look and see what others are doing or be ‘better than’ the next person. They just doing their best for God. They want to be what God wants them to be. They only desire God’s approval. Recognizing their capabilities for what they are, they are strive for excellence and to glorified Jesus in their lives. The only competition is with themselves, the only standard for themselves is Christ, and all of these are done to achieve greater personal growth and to bless others in what they do. God’s children don’t compete, they just want to love, create and be God wants them to be – God’s children.

Which one are you?

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

For Serious Christ follower ONLY: "Lord, Give Me just Enough to Satisfy My Needs"

Before I graduated from the university, I made a solemn promise to myself – a prayer, for exact – which I really glad that I did prayed for it (but sometime I regret a little). I read the Book of Proverbs and take it seriously what the Philosopher of Life had said, “First, help me never to tell a lie. Second, give me neither poverty nor riches! Give me just enough to satisfy my needs” (Proverbs 30:18, NLT).

Pic taken from:
http://simpleorganizedlife.com/

[I skip the first one okay] “Give me just enough to satisfy my needs” God really answered my prayer! “Just enough” is my principle of life since. And that is just what “my needs” are. Apostle Paul take it serious too when he said, “I have learned how to be content with whatever I have” (Philippians 4:11) and then told it to his number one protégé, Timothy, “If we have enough food and clothing, let us be content” (1 Timothy 6:8). As if the human authors of the Bible hearing one another, the writer of the Book of Hebrew under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit also said the same thing also in a different way: “Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, ‘I will never fail you. I will never abandon you’” (13:5).

But after I graduated, I had a problem regarding with my new principle of life: How to distinguish “my needs” from my wants? As we know, all humans have basic needs that must be met in order to survive: food, water, shelter, air – and love. I learned that “needs” are different from “wants” in that when our needs are met, we can be content and satisfied. On the other hand, when our wants are met (if it is possible at all) often leave us unsatisfied, discontent, and desiring for more. Mind you, what we “wants” are not always negative, but if we failed to distinguish it, they can become causes for the spread of jealousy, envy, deceit, and materialism when we become obsessed with getting them. For example, think of an iPhone, car or handbag. At first, we need it but after we had it, we want more. Then when we see someone have more or better than we have, we become jealous! And thus, needs become the never ending wants.

“Give me just enough to satisfy my needs” is not a popular principle to live by today. But who are we? Christian. Christ followers. And when Christ speaks we listen and obey joyfully because we know that He wants the best for us in order that we may glorify Him. And what He says is this: “Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs” (Matthew 6:32). Since our Father knows all our needs, He therefore can satisfy us! Allow God to show His power and provision and teach us (yes, we need it!) that He is sufficient (He IS sufficient. We are the one who need to know that!). Learning to recognize the difference between needs and wants allows us to find contentment and satisfaction in living by God’s way. The more we focus on what Christ values in the Scripture, what is really important for Him – the more we will be able to distinguish our wants from our needs. Live a simple life. Uncluttered your life, live freely. Take just enough for yourself, and give it all away or share it with others. Always ready to travel light whenever God ask you to go.

If you dare, pray this prayer (or whenever you’re ready);

O Lord, you know all my needs.
Give me neither poverty nor riches!
Give me just enough to satisfy my needs
that I may live to glorified you and care for other needs too. Amen.

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Tuhan akan Menyediakan Apa yang Kamu Perlukan Hari ini

Banyak orang berkata, “Jika ini atau itu berubah atau berlaku, barulah saya dapat melakukan sesuatu perkara.” Karut! Tuhan memberikan kamu sesuatu hari ini secukupnya mengikut keperluan kamu untuk hari ini. Firman Tuhan menjelaskan prinsip ini secara jelas melalui cerita di dalam buku Perjanjian Lama dimana Tuhan telah memberi orang Israel makanan Manna. Baca Firman ini:

“TUHAN telah memberikan perintah supaya tiap-tiap orang mengumpulkan makanan itu (Manna) seberapa banyak yang diperlukannya, iaitu sebanyak dua liter bagi setiap anggota keluarga.

Orang Israel berbuat demikian; ada yang mengumpulkan lebih daripada dua liter dan ada pula yang mengumpulkan kurang daripada itu. Ketika mereka menakarnya (“measured”), ternyata bahawa orang yang mengumpulkan banyak tidak mendapat lebih, dan orang yang mengumpulkan sedikit tidak pula kekurangan. Tiap-tiap orang mengumpulkan sebanyak yang diperlukannya.

Musa berkata kepada mereka, ‘Tiada sesiapa yang boleh menyimpan makanan walau sedikit pun sehingga esok’. Tetapi ada di kalangan mereka tidak mengendahkan kata-kata Musa, lalu menyimpan sebahagian daripada makanan itu. Pagi esoknya, makanan itu berulat dan berbau busuk, lalu Musa marah kepada mereka.” (Keluaran 16:16-20).

Orang Israel memerlukan makanan. Mereka memerlukan makanan untuk hari ini, esok dan untuk hari yang akan datang. Tetapi Tuhan Allah menyediakan mereka bekalan seharian. Dia tidak menghantar makanan Manna dalam bungkusan untuk satu minggu! Tidak, Tuhan menyediakan mereka bekalan setiap hari – cukup untuk hari itu. Lihat disini, apabila mereka mengumpulkan lebih daripada yang diperlukan dan menyimpannya untuk hari esok, semua makanan itu “berulat dan berbau busuk”.

Kebenarannya ialah ini: Tuhan menyediakan keperluan kamu untuk sekarang, hari ini – pada saat ini. Kamu tidak akan memperolehi hari ini lagi esok. Jadi, kamu harus melakukan yang terbaik bagi setiap pekerjaan, perkara atau peluang yang ada pada hari ini. Apa saja yang Tuhan mahu kamu lakukan sekarang atau apa saja keperluan (bukan keinginan!) yang kamu perlukan untuk hari ini – Dia telah sediakan semuanya untuk kamu.

Kawan, Tuhan Yesus telah berFirman, “jangan khuatir” (3 kali dalam Matius 6:25, 31 dan 34) tentang kehidupan dan keperluan asas harian kita; dan Rasul menulis, “Jangan khuatir akan apa pun. Dalam segala hal, berdoalah dan mintalah kepada Allah apa yang kamu perlukan” (Filipi 4:6). Kawan, bersyukurlah dan terus memuji Tuhan Allah kita! Jangan khuatir tentang apa pun! Dia akan menyediakan apa yang kamu perlukan untuk hari ini. Jangan khuatir!

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Come Naked, Return Empty

“The greenish is your car, bro?” my friend asked. Your car? That sounds awkward though I answered him this way: “Yes, it is.” For almost a year now I never consider thinking that that pieces of metal is mine entirely. I paid for it monthly because, really, by law, the car is not mine but belong to bank. I loan it!



Pic from: kevinvisel.blogspot.com

 Sometimes God reminds us that our life, wealth, health and all we possess are in reality – on loan, as long as the Master to whom everything belongs pleases. Sometimes we are reminded that we came into the world with nothing (just look at newly delivered baby), and we shall take nothing with us when we leave (remember the last funeral ceremony that you had attended this year). But nevertheless, what we loan here on earth should be taking care of with full responsibility because it has been entrusted to us.

The are many of Jesus’ parables where a king or a rich man going away to a far country and committing a responsibility to his servants, then come back to check them out. For example; “Again, the Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. He called together his servants and entrusted his money to them while he was gone. He gave five bags of silver to one, two bags to another and one bag of silver to the last – dividing it in proportion to their abilities. He then left on his trip.” (Matthew 25:14-15NLT)

Today our Master has entrusted us to take care of (could be); our abilities, natural talents, our possessions, our bank accounts and if it’s not convincing enough – may I say – our life itself! It is clear that the main message of Jesus’ parable above is that God has given us responsibility on loan, and He expects us to be faithful, to use it for His Glory, to be fruitful. Remember, we are on probation. There are 24-7 CCTVs in Heaven, childishly saying. We are stewards, God is the Master. We are expected to be reliable and responsible to what had been entrusted to us. Paul reminds the Corinthians that can be directly applied to us, “Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.” (1 Corinthians 4:2NIV)

Take a look on all that we possess today as loan from God (yes, even your car!). This is biblically true that we shall well remember. With this kind of perspective, it helps us to get our priority right. To be more responsible and faithful to what we have at this present moments. Loan, not yours! [at least, not yet]

“To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away'.” (Matthew 25:29NLT)
THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Week 67: Contentment - Live on almost Nothing or with Everything

“…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…” (Saint Paul, Philippians 4:11-13NLT)

More, More, More

How much we enjoy what we have is more important than how much we have. We can have dozen of car or few houses, for example, but in the end we simply cannot enjoy all of it. In today’s materialistic society, life is full of people who have more than enough, more than they know what to do with it but sad to say, they cannot be content. “More, more, more” is the language spoken by those who have a discontented heart.

Little Bit More

Most people think that having more or plenty will make us content – they are deceived. The truth is; a taste of having plenty makes us want a little more than what we’ve got. We brought all kinds of modern appliances, always updating with the latest electronic gadgets, collect expensive furniture, keep as many trendy clothes as possible etc. But still we’re not content.  Even if we have ‘everything’, ‘full stomach’ or ‘in plenty’; the desire to always want a little-bit-more will quench our thirst for something we don’t have. When we look at what we want and then compare it with what we have, we will be utterly dissatisfied.

Frederick Koenig observed it well when he writes,

“We tend to forget that happiness doesn’t come as a result of getting something we don’t have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have.”

Contentment, what does it mean?

Contentment means suppressing the desire for more and more. It means recognizing that we are merely God’s stewards of our possessions and appreciating God’s Providences in our life. Readers, to be content doesn’t mean we shall not wanting or desire anything at ALL – that’s a false teaching! It doesn’t mean that we must give everything away to the poor and become poor ourselves. It doesn’t mean we must feel guilty for being blessed as Malaysian citizen. [Come to think about it, I’m really blessed for being a Malaysian] It doesn’t mean we care nothing about our finances. It doesn’t mean… oh you get what I mean right: Contentment means enjoying what we have to the fullest, recognizing what we already have, and appreciate what we do have. A contented heart spoke the language of “God is enough”.

“The secret of contentment”, writes Lin Yutang, “is knowing how to enjoy what you have and to be able to lose all desire for thing beyond you reach.”

‘Be content with whatever I have’

 Now, let’s look at the Scripture above. Paul was in the Roman’s prison cell when he wrote the Letter of Philippians. It amazes me that the apostle Paul could be content while chained in a prison cell for years. I imagine that he lived in that filth, dark and alone inside that iron bars. It amazes me even more when I studied the Epistles that Paul also was content in times of plenty when he stayed with rich folks such as Philemon and Lydia. Thus, he was able to write ‘I have learned how to be content with whatever I have.’

Learned How to Be Content

"contentment' by Henriette

Paul says that he had “learned” this. It doesn’t come naturally for him. For everything that he went through throughout his life – he learned how to be content. Albert Barnes from my E-Sword software noted that, “A contented mind is an invaluable blessing, and is one of the fruits of religion in the soul. It arises from the belief that God is right in all his ways… one of the secrets of happiness is to have a mind satisfied with all the allotments of Providence.”

Here is a short prayer that might be helpful for us to be content in our life;

“O Lord, Give me mind that always contented with my present condition,
for I believe in the goodness of Your Providence. Amen.”

The Heart that Loves the Little Things

I came across this wonderful short yet meaningful quotation in Roy B. Zuck’s The Speaker’s Quote Book that I want to share with you. As I ended this article, may you’ll be encourage to start living your life contented with what you have;

The heart that loves the little things

Is full of deep content;

The life that serves in little things

Is often nobly spent

So do not be despising

The day of little things,

For bees, as well as angels,

Can boast a pair of wings

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP. God is Enough.