Contentment

By After Edmund • Jul 30th, 2008 • Category: Artists in Residence

I have noticed that, being in a band, it is very easy to fall into the thought pattern of; “if only”, “if only we were playing in front of this many people”, “if only we had a bigger tour bus”, “if only we made more money”, etc. The music industry is very competitive and there are bands that make millions of dollars with radio hits and a huge fan base and bands that have none of those things.

Every music group, if not every person, has the dream of one day making it BIG! We play air guitar in our bedrooms in front of the mirror, we use odd objects as microphones when we hear one of our favorite songs on the radio, and we dream that one day we can perform in front of the world. Is there anything wrong with “making it big?” Absolutely not! But, can we be content if we don’t?

God has equipped us with the ability to do great things in life with the talents He has customized for each one of us. For some it is the ability to play music, for others it might be to work with numbers, build a house, or raise a Godly family, etc., and it is up to us to develop those talents/abilities and honor God by committing ourselves to excellence.

One thing, among many, that God is teaching me is to be content at every stage of life. If I am never happy with where I am, then how can I be happy when I reach the next level? I would challenge you to ask the same question. Paul says in Philippians 4 that he learned to be content in every situation. When he had a lot to eat or when he was starving, he was happy. If I have to ride in a van with 8 people for 12 hours instead of flying in a plane, I’ll still be happy. If I have to lug equipment for every gig instead of just walking onto a stage that is already set up, I’ll still be grateful for the life God has given me. If After Edmund stops tomorrow and God calls me to do something else, I will remain content.

Contentment is only found in a relationship with Christ. He is the only thing that is unchanging, and true joy is only found in Him. God loves us with an everlasting love, and that is something we can bank on!!

- Matt McFadden

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