Christian Living Today

Reading through “The Rare Jewel Of Christian Contentment” I have learned more than just the four steps to contentment. In fact, instead of the modern treatment of a subject - do this, don’t do that and you’ll get this - Jeremiah Burroughs digs much deeper. Not only does he show us why Christians ought to be content, he shows us how God works in our lives to teach us contentment. But that is not all.

While I have been convicted and informed beyond my wildest dreams on the subject of contentment, the numerous side issues which Burroughs has touched on - in other words, the broad scope which our contentment or discontentment impacts - have been amazing. For example, one of Burroughs’ reasons discontentment in a Christian is SIN is such an attitude is below a Christian.

This is not new information. It is not earth shaking. But, when we think deeply on a subject, sometimes the light comes on in new ways. Such was my response to this one point. So - why is discontent below a Christian (too base or mean of an attitude)? Well, consider this:

A Christian is a child of the King!

A Christian is Christ’s bride!

A Christian is a member of Christ’s body!

A Christian is an heir to the kingdom!

A Christian is a temple of the Holy Spirit!

A Christian is one body with the angels!

A Christian is one with saints innumerable!

I know　all of these things, but when you stack them up, one on top of the other, they make an overwhelming statement! Who am I to whine and complain about anything God chooses to bring across my path when He has given me all of this?

Most of us take life as it comes. However, I wonder if this is actually what God meant when He told us to be good stewards. Might that stewardship requirement include more than just our possessions? Might it also include our bodies, our minds, and even the way we use our time? If you are thinking similar thoughts, you might want to take a look at Michael Hyatt’s life plan. It is thought provoking, at the very least.

Looking for some reading ideas or wondering what others are reading? Maybe wondering, what does a serious - at least about their walk - Christian read? Here are a couple of places to look. Al Mohler’s Sovereign Grace Ministrie’s blog has some wonderful reviews of some modern literature which he recommends. Another interesting site to check out is 5 Minutes For Books. Their July post has links to 29 other readers who list what they are currently reading. Interesting!

It makes you wonder how such ignorant people become leaders. After years of forcing couples to yield to their one-child rule, China is now facing the fall out of their poor planing. As a result, couples are being urged to bear two children. Read the whole story in the July 29^th, issue of The New York Times.

In an age of tolerance and no absolutes, it can be particularly difficult to make a stand. Thus, for many of us, it is easier to either say nothing, or to water down what we say, than to speak boldly, yet humbly, about the gospel. However, Timmy Brister shares a very convicting quote by J.C. Ryle related to how we respond to the pressure to be silent.

Pr 27:2 “Let another man praise you, and not your own mouth; A stranger, and not your own lips.”

I have been thinking about this verse lately. In a day and age which encourages us to self-esteem or tells us ‘It’s all about you!’, it is easy to praise ourselves. Furthermore, from our birth we seek independence, we seek self-gratification, we seek to be the center of our own universe - in other words, we seek to be God. One result of this natural bent is we seek glory. So, when we find ourselves patting our own backs, it does not come as a very big surprise.

However, as this verse points out, this is NOT to be a Christian’s attitude. We are to be humble. We are to glorify God. We are to have with a servant’s attitude, an attitude which says, “I am merely doing my duty, nothing more, please Lord, nothing less.”

I find I need to be reminded of this truth. Not that I tend to overtly　praise myself, but we are all great at pointing the finger back at ourselves in subtle ways. We’ve all mastered the art of drawing attention to ourselves while feigning humility. If you are wondering what I am talking about, watch yourself. From my experience with my own heart and with the general public, I have seen two kinds of people. The ones who are vocally proud of themselves and the ones who are a little more subtle about their pride.

Thus this verse is a call to humility. A call to exercise a grace which is not only rare, but one which we use clumsily. For, even when we are honestly trying to be humble, we often manage to draw attention to ourselves. How frustrating!

However, recently I was struck with the thought - this is only half of a half of a verse. While humility is the part I have heard preached, encouragement is the other side. Maybe our unfamiliarity with the second half of the verse is mitigating our attempts to obey the first half. After all, the best way to NOT point the finger at ourselves is to be pointing it at someone else!

When we praise another, we encourage them. Thus our praise should be　an attempt to encourage them in the right path. How soon we forget the old proverb, “Honey draws more flies than vinegar.” Especially those in authority.

We are quick to criticize and correct, but how quick are we to praise and encourage? It is hard to see our own faults, but we are incredibly tuned in to the faults of those close to us. It is easy to see our own ‘good deeds’, but we are dull of perception to the positive acts of those around us.

Furthermore, this verse says the lips of a stranger ought to be the ones praising us. Interesting! This takes the whole idea one step further. While there are numerous verses to spur us into the role of encourager to those around us, how often do we praise a stranger? A simple, ‘Thank You!’ Possibly a kind comment to the person who holds the door for us, to the young man or woman who offers to help us with our groceries, to the maid who cleans our motel room, to the waiter or waitress who serves our meal.

It isn’t hard. It only takes a little thought. However, in this day and age it is so rare, a few words of encouragement and a honest-to-goodness gracious attitude can go a LONG way toward showing the world we are different. And, in that way our lives honor and glorify our God - the One who deserves ALL the praise - and the One we praise far too seldom!

As I progress through Jeremiah Burroughs’ classic, “The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment,” I continue to be challenged, convicted, and comforted.

Chapter six is no exception. Having completed three chapters wherein the author opened up the Mystery of Christian Contentment, he has now moved into the second of two chapters in which he has looked at how Christ teaches us to be content.

If Burroughs last three points reveal nothing else, they reveal our upside down perspective. We think prosperity brings happiness. Thus Christ has to teach us to be content as we are and to realize with increased prosperity comes added burdens. These burdens include increased opportunities for failure, an increased degree of accountability to God, and an increased duty to God in our stewardship of what He has given. Yet we want it!

Bernard said, “. . .to give me what I would have, to give me my heart’s desire, is one of the most hideous judgments in the world.” Burroughs observed, “The Lord conveys the plague of His curse through prosperity as much through any thing in the world. . .”

If we really thought that　were true, I wonder if we would be so quick to ask God for this, that, and the other things we think we desire? I believe we fail to acknowledge the evil which lurks in our hearts. Not only is prosperity (which we want) more often a curse than a blessing, but we have the greatest blessing assured - peace with God - but we often count it of little value.

Not only do we need to adjust our value system, we need to correct our view of God’s providence. Too often we perceive our trials as out of His control. Yet God’s providence is universal. It touches even the smallest detail (something I suspect we are quick to forget). It is also unalterable by anyone or anything. How presumptuous we are to expect God to change His master plan because we do not agree with the process! Or, as Burroughs put it, “Do you think [providence] is such a weak thing, that because it does not please you it must alter its course?”

Another point we often fail to consider is that God’s providence is working in various ways at one time. In other words, we do not stop to consider (nor can we ever really see) the big picture. We may never know how our present affliction is working out God’s plan for 20 or 30 or even 100 years down the road.

Finally, Burroughs shows us God’s providence is working with particular interest and concern for His people. I think the one point which struck me the hardest (and made me squirm the most) was, “In God’s plan for His people, affliction is normal.”

Quite frankly that is NOT what I wanted to read. It is not what I want to hear. It is certainly not something I want to embrace. However, whether I acknowledge the fact or not, Scripture is full of proof. We often see God bringing His people low before bestowing upon them the greatest mercies.

And, while this may be something we would rather not be true, we can rest assured God always turns what we (and the world) perceive as evil into our greatest good. Luther said, “It is the way of God; He humbles that He might exalt, He kills that He might make alive, He confounds the He might glorify.”

How many times have you read the story of Peter’s denial of Christ? If you are like me, times without number. How many times have you thought something along the lines of: ‘How could he?’ Again, if you are like me, several. After all, the man walked with Christ. He talked with Christ. He touched Christ. He was in the inner circle, for goodness sake. How could he make such a move?

All too often, such thoughts lead us into thinking something along the lines of: ‘If I had lived back then, I wouldn’t have. . . .’ - you fill in the blank. Denied my Lord. Crucified the God of heaven. Turned my back. Betrayed. Doubted.

I doubt there are many Christians today who, if they have read the story of Christ’s life more than once, haven’t come away thinking - how blind! How foolish! How could they?

I suppose it is a pretty natural reaction. However, what it reveals is we are already on the slippery slope toward personally denying our Lord! “No way!” you might respond. I am afraid so. In fact, I found it very convicting and instructive to review the steps taken by Peter in his denial of Christ as recorded in Matthew 26. Let me share them with you.

First: Peter was over confident or self-confident. Look at what he says, “Even if all are made to stumble because of You, I will never be made to stumble. . .”(vs 33). Sound familiar?

Second: Peter started moving in a fleshy direction. In other words, he set out to handle the problem himself. Look at verse 51. “. . .stretched out his hand and drew his sword [and] struck the servant. . .and cut off his ear.” If there is one sin which has permeated the American mentality, I suspect it is this one. Yet, it means we are already two steps down the slippery slope of denying our Lord!

Third: Next we find Peter out of step. He’s lagging behind the rest - dropping out of fellowship. Verse 58a says, “. . .Peter followed Him at a distance.” He’s already distancing himself from his Lord. Do you ever find yourself there? Trying to not appear too much a part of the ‘Jesus crowd’?

Fourth: Peter takes this next step with such ease. Instead of hurrying to catch up, he takes a spot on the world’s stage. In other words, Peter’s priorities change from being a faithful follower of his Lord, no matter what, to putting a distance between himself and a difficult situation. The rest of verse 58 reads, “. . .he went in and sat with the servants to see the end.” How many times are we guilty of ‘going with the flow’? How many times to do keep our mouth shut to avoid sounding or looking different? When we do, we are not far from the ultimate denial.

Fifth: Peter quickly finds comfort in his worldly situation. In fact, he is now content to be out of fellowship completely. Verse 69 says, “Now Peter sat outside in the courtyard. . .” Not only is he with　the servants (the world), he is relaxing with the world. Coming to this point happens so subtly! How easy it is to set aside the hard work of carrying our cross (maybe, we think, for just a few minutes). Yet, how quickly we can find ourselves lounging comfortably with the world.

Sixth: Have you ever rationalized, “How am I supposed to reach the world if I don’t hang out with them?” Possibly Peter thought something along the same line, but look what really happened. Peter didn’t influence the world. In fact, his physical location destroyed his testimony completely. Not only did he not speak for his Lord, he played it safe and denied Him. In verse 72 we read, “. . .he denied [he was with Jesus] before them all.”

Seventh: It is such a small step, now, to conforming to the world’s standards. After all, everyone else around us is doing and acting and speaking this way. Peter did it. Verse 72 reads, “. . .he denied [he was with Jesus] with an oath. . .” Is it not our mouth which goes first? Peter hasn’t actually done anything, yet he is just two steps away from falling completely! It behooves us to listen to ourselves, doesn’t it?

Eighth: Peter has gone a long way, but he still has a little farther to fall. Verse 74 records the final step. It reads, “. . .he began to curse and swear. . .” Here is a man who has heard with his own years Jesus warnings about the tongue. He has seen his Lord’s power and compassion and zeal for God. Yet, in just eight easy steps he has turned his back on it all!

Ninth: He has reached the bitter end - and, to a Christian, it is bitter indeed. In a sense, this last step is greatly encouraging. If we do NOT come to this some result when we find ourselves in a similar position - we ought to doubt the reality of our conversion. Peter, however, reveals not only his self-loathing - but his self-loathing reveals his true heart. Verse 75 reads, “. . .he went out and wept bitterly.”

John Calvin says any man ‘who is not supported by the hand of God will instantly fall by a slight gale or the rustling of a falling leaf.’ If we walk away, if we try to stand on our own, if we try to rub shoulders with the world - we can expect to fall. We will fall.

May we find encouragement in the promise of forgiveness. May we, like Peter, weep bitterly and then turn back to our Lord who is willing and ready to forgive.

Prompted by a statement on Tim Challies’ blog, I recently looked a little closer at whether or not it matters what we read - and, whether or not it matters how much we retain of what we read. During that time, I was also reading a book called, “Spiritual Leadership” by J. Oswald Sanders.

In one way I am thankful I had not read his chapter The Leader and Reading before I began pondering this subject. If I had, I probably would not have pondered the issue so deeply. However, I must admit I was encouraged to find much of this chapter reinforced what I had concluded. As would be expected, it also far excelled my ability to address the matter succinctly. For that reason (and to share a few high quality and convicting quotes with you), I felt it prudent to do one more post on this issue - based solely on this chapter.

The first issue we must address is: Why Read. Does it really matter? Francis Bacon thought so. He said, “Reading maketh a full man; speaking, a ready man, writing, an exact man.” So, at the very least, it won’t hurt anything (to understate the issues greatly).

Do not relax and assume, then, maybe it is not that important. Sanders says a Christian must have a consuming passion to know the Bible. Of course, reading is the first step in ‘learning’ or ‘knowing’ a book. Furthermore, if we really desire to grow in our Christian walk, we must be reading our Bible consistently.

While the Bible is our primary source for wisdom and knowledge, it is not the only book which can help us grow in grace and knowledge. Sadly, however, modern readers need to exercise great discernment in choosing their books. While there are new books which are VERY good, not everything flooding off the presses is worth our time.

Writers, for the most part, write to their audience. Thus, even the increase in lesser quality books reveals the overall lack of desire among Christians for real growth. AW Tozer said, “The major cause of the decline in the quality of current Christian literature is not intellectual but spiritual. To enjoy a great religious book requires a degree of consecration to God and detachment from the world few modern Christians have. . .One reason why people are unable to understand great Christian classics is that they are trying to understand without any intention of obeying them.”

Ouch. That stings. I fear it hits far to close to the point.

However, all is not lost. As Christians we can and should　reclaim our great Christian heritage - first in reading our Bibles and then in reading quality Christian books with a desire to learn and grow and conform more to Christ’s image.

As we read, Sanders said we should be seeking for intellectual growth, spiritual benefit, an increased ability to speak and write intelligently and clearly about our Christian faith, new information, and for fellowship with great minds. In the end, however, if we are asking ourselves ‘why’ we should bother reading, it reveals something less than desirable lurking in our hearts.

Once we realize reading has a valuable purpose in our growth as a Christian, we naturally start thinking about What To Read. Sanders said, “If a man is known by the company he keeps, so also his charter is reflected in the books he reads.” In other words, it isn’t just about reading a “Christian book.” It isn’t even about reading a LOT of Christian books. In fact, Sanders says, “Daniel Webster preferred to master a few books rather than read widely. . .Indiscriminate reading serves no one well.”

Samuel Brengle put it almost poetically, yet his point is clear. He said, “There is an infinite difference between the beauty of holiness and the holiness of beauty. One leads to the highest, loftiest, most Godlike character, the other - too often - leads to an orgy of sensation.” In other words, it goes back to ‘why’ you read. What is your purpose? Is it to consume a whole bunch of words? Or, is it to seek to change because of what you read?

Alexander Pope said it well.

“A little learning is a dangerous thing;

Drink deep, or taste not the Pierbian Spring;

There shallow droughts intoxicate the brain,

And drinking deeply sobers us again.”

So we ought to be seeking out worthy books - books worth reading more than once - books that will challenge us and help us to deepen our walk. Furthermore, we should be seeking to really know　those books - not just skim through and move on.

So, this brings up the final point: How To Read. Sanders said, “Unless our reading includes serious thinking, it is wasted time.”

Hmmm. Thinking is not necessarily something we naturally connect to reading. I am not saying we read without our minds, but I believe we often let things flow in and out of brain like water. If a few drops remain, we feel like we have gained all we ought. This, however, is exactly what Sanders and others warn against.

Charles Spurgeon used to tell his students, “Master those books you have. Read them thoroughly. Bathe in them until they saturate you. Read and reread them, masticate and digest them. Let them go into your very self. Peruse a good book several times and make notes and analysis of it. A student will find that his mental constitution is more affected by one book thoroughly mastered than by twenty books he has merely skimmed. Little learning and much pride come of hasty reading. Some men are disabled from thinking by their putting meditation away for the sake of much reading. In reading let your motto be, ‘much not many.’”

Again this challenges our modern thought. We are so consumer minded, I don’t think we much, if any, thought to the value of slowing down and meditating, not just consuming.

Sanders suggests some rules by which to guide your reading. He says:

1) If you really don’t want to remember something, read it quickly. However, you do this to your peril. If you develop a habit of forgetting, you will find yourself more inclined to forget important things, too.

2) Choose books like you choose friends, with discrimination.

3) Develop a system of note taking which works for you and aids your memory.

4) Build a ‘common-place’ book. This is a book in which you include any worthy quotes, striking and interesting pieces of information, and points which you wish to ponder.

5) Verify any historical, scientific, or other data included in your reading.

6) Vary your reading. Do not get stuck in a rut but build into your reading a variety which will keep your mind fresh and your reading interesting.

7) Correlate your reading. For example, if you are reading a historical novel about one of our early church fathers, read a biography about them and, if they wrote something, read it.

Read a book three times.

First - a rapid and continuous reading to give yourself an overview.

Second - a slow and careful reading (taking notes) to allow yourself to DIG

Third - after a period of time, another rapid and continuous reading to review and refresh your memory.

If this sounds like it will take all the ‘fun’ out of reading, maybe it is because we have grown too used to being entertained when we read. Of course, I do not believe Sanders is suggesting we only read something dry, dusty, and boring. However, it seems one key element to making our reading worth while is spending some TIME on it.

Have you ever looked around you and wondered how anyone could deny God’s existence? I know I have. When I consider the beauty and intricacy of my son’s body or the varied shapes, sizes, and colors of the wildflowers, or the majestic wildness of the countryside around my home, I wonder how anyone could be so foolish as to suppose this all occurred by chance.

Often we think people are just dumb. I’m not saying we look down upon them, but they certainly seem to be missing (and denying) the obvious. In fact, that is exactly what they are doing - denying the obvious.

The bad thing is, we may often see this fault in others, but how often do we see it in ourselves. We may not deny God’s existence, but I believe we often deny His worth, His value, His magnificence.

When you hear the term ‘idolatry’, what comes to your mind? Statues? People prostrating themselves before an image? Maybe a specific religion or people group or even a historical time period?

While all of these apply, as Pastor John Piper pointed out in his sermon “The First Dark Exchange - Idolatry,” basically idolatry is exchanging God for anything else. If you think about it, I think you’ll agree, based on this definition idolatry covers a much broader base than we typically think.

What I think we fail to realize is how much idolatry effects our (I’m talking about Christians here) thinking and actions. When you get right down to it, idolatry is at the root of all of our sin and all of our problems.

In what we do, what we say, or even how we feel, we are guilty of idolatry more often than not. Why? Pastor Piper put it like this: “We do not acknowledge, value, treasure, savor, honor, or make much of the greatest value in the universe, the glory of God. That is our wickedness and our disease and our great mutiny against God.”

As Christians, we are quick to believe we worship　the One True God. However, as we have seen in earlier posts on prayer and worship, we cannot truly worship God unless He is number one in our lives. Quite honestly, can you (or I) say God is number one in all areas of our lives?

There are two good tests by which we can evaluate whether or not we are guilty of idolatry.

One - Are you content? Do you find yourself frustrated or irritated or anxious about events and things and people? Are you unhappy about where you live? Where you work? The car you drive or the toy you don’t own (or do) or the house you live in?

All of these are signs of discontent. They are signs of idolatry. They reveal what we really worship. If, however, we were consumed with God’s glory, we would be content to let Him take care of everything else. In other words, we would find our contentment in Him, not in the things we have or don’t have.

Two - What do you do with your time? Obviously we all have demands on our time - work, family, outside obligations, even personal issues which cry for our attention. However, most people (in many countries around the globe) enjoy more free time now than in any prior generation.

The question is: What do you do with your free time? Or, more precisely, how much of your free time do you devote to seeking to grow closer to God? I am not suggesting you park inside your church doors whenever you have free time. I’m talking about what you read (something we’ve discussed a bit lately), what you watch, what you ‘do’. How we use our mind, what we do for entertainment, and how we spend our time reveal how much we really　desire to glorify God.

Romans 1:21-23 speaks directly to this issue. In this passage Paul gives us four things which flow from idolatry.

1) Worthless thoughts. If we spend our time focusing on this world and the things of this world, we are wasting our thoughts. Granted we have a responsibility to steward our bodies, our possessions, and the world around us. However, this does not legitimize spending the majority of our time concerned primarily with these things.

2) Dark hearts. To illustrate what this means, Pastor Piper turned to Matthew 6:22 where Jesus talks about the eye lighting the body. As Piper pointed out, there is no light producing source within our bodies. In fact, were it not for an outside light source, we would forever be ‘literally’ in the dark. Thus, the light by which we see and perceive the world around us enters through our eyes.

In the same way, our souls have no light producing source. Thus, without God’s glory shining upon our hearts, we have dark hearts. (2 Cor 4:6) This should be an extremely frightening thought to a Christian.

3) Vain ‘wisdom.’ Have you ever heard someone say (or have you said), “To me God is. . .” Or maybe something like, “My God would never (or would surely. . .) do such and such or so and so.” Is this not just making God be whoever or whatever you want Him to be?

We all like to choose our ‘god.’ Making our ‘god’ makes us feel resourceful, creative, independent, intelligent, and in control. Besides that, it strokes our ego. However, in so doing we are robbing God of His glory!

4) Foolishness. Paul’s words in Romans 1, if translated literally, mean: “They exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for a　likeness of an image of corruptible man.” What he is saying is:

man is made in God’s image (a copy of God)

the ‘likeness’ of man (is a copy of man who is a copy of God)

‘an image’ in the likeness of man (is a copy of the copy of a man who is a copy of God)

Do you see the vast distance from reality and value? We have not only belittled God as we portray Him to the world around us, we have belittled man’s value as well. Piper put it this way: “You trade a diamond for a peach forgotten at the back of the refrigerator. You trade the ruby for a banana sitting in the sun. You trade a bar of gold for a bolt rusting in the rain.”

Our culture tells us ‘image is everything.’ May we say in our words and in our life “NO, God’s glory is everything!”

I’m a reader. I would rather read than watch a movie. I would rather read than play a game. I would rather read than. . .well, I’d rather read than many things others find attractive. While this can be a blessing - especially if I direct my passion toward something beneficial - it also behooves me to do my best to make my pastime beneficial.

Some people, my husband for one, seem to be able to hold on to what they read. They can remember ‘who’ said ‘what,’ or ‘where’ something is located. Me? Only in my dreams! Thus, I have been thinking about and testing out various methods to help me retain what I read.

Does it really matter? In other words, is it not enough that I read - even if I cannot recall (a few days, or weeks, or months later) what I read? I think it matters - a lot. After all, what have I gained if I can list numerous weighty tomes or high-quality Christian books I’ve read and yet cannot remember what they said?

No matter how careful I am in my choice of reading material, if I do not remember what I read - how much did it (can it) impact my life? As I see it, there are several reasons why I should be exercising due diligence to retain as much as possible when I read.

1) Time stewardship. Make no mistake, we will be called to give an account of how we lived our lives. I believe this will include how we used our time. I really can’t imagine standing before my Lord saying, “I read good stuff. Does it really matter if I applied what I read?”

2) An ‘approved’ stamp. Consider 2 Timothy 2:15 - “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” While our diligence does not earn our standing before God, I do want to understand (as much as is possible) the Scriptures. Furthermore, I have no desire to stand before God’s throne ashamed at my lack of diligence!

3) Real Life. In John chapter 20 verses 30 and 31 we read, “And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.” If real life comes from knowing and believing what is written about my Lord, why would I not apply every effort to know and understand?

Impact - I believe that is the key. That is certainly what we read in both 2 Timothy and John 20. It all boils down to growing in my understanding of my Lord - in growing in my relationship with Him - ultimately in becoming more and more conformed to His image. So - - - what am I using / trying / testing?

As I mentioned in an earlier post, I do not believe there is any one ‘process’ out there which will work for everyone. We all learn differently. However, there are some fundamental issues which help most people increase their retention.

At its most basic, all effective learning passes through three phases. The grammar phase. The logic phase. The rhetoric phase.

In the grammar stage we are taking in information. This, then, is the phase I am in when I read a book. I am taking in the fundamentals. They are passing through my eyes and into my brain. My goal, however, is to get at least some of them to stop there!

In the logic stage we are thinking about information. Most of the time we stop at the grammar stage. We take it in, but then pass on to the next piece of information. Thus we never pause to dwell on what we have been reading.

It reminds me of the Michael Card song, “So Many Books, So Little Time”. There is always another book I’m longing to read. Like a carrot on my shelf, it calls me to hurry, hurry so I can crack its cover.

How foolish! If I do not take time to think about what I’m reading right now, what difference does it make if I crack the next book’s cover? For that matter, if I’m not reading and meditating on Scripture, it really doesn’t make much sense to be cracking ANY other book!

Of course there has to be balance somewhere. Take my study of James. It is moving forward - at a sleepy snail’s pace. In other words, barely moving. This is due, primarily, to the depth to which I am trying to dig (and the lack of time for digging this time of year).

If I were to take everything to this depth, I wouldn’t be reading much at all. I’m not saying this is bad. I know my retention is greatly effected by the time I invest in thinking and meditating on what I read. Nonetheless, I do desire to read that next book. So, there must be a balance in there somewhere.

At this point, I am working toward finding that balance. Right now, it seems to be found somewhere between digging deep and only reading. I suspect something like the Cornell Note- taking System is where I will find the most success.

In case you are unfamiliar with this system, in brief it requires you to take notes (thus meeting my need to ‘write’ the key points of what I’m learning). The next two steps, however, I believe will be even more beneficial. Once the notes are taken, the person using this system selects key words and phrases to help them remember the key points. They then review / recite the key points using ONLY their chosen key words and phrases - in other words, test their retention.

Finally - at the end of each chapter or sub-topic or sermon, the person using this system summarizes the main ideas taught. In other words, there is some thought going into what is read and some effort applied to remembering what is read.

In a sense, this written summary is a form of rhetoric. Rhetoric is basically saying or writing in your own words what you have learned. That, my reader, is the ultimate purpose behind this blog!

My primary goal in reading a book like “The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment” or in studying “James” is to change! It is one thing to say, “Be patient, God isn’t finished with me yet.” It is another thing to recognize our own responsibility to work out our own salvation.

And, if that is not the paramount reason for applying myself to read both Scripture and good books, then, I believe, I have missed the point!

Have you ever said something like, “That isn’t what I want, but God can teach me to be content in any situation”? Or maybe something more like, “Lord, help me to be content”?

If so, Jeremiah Burroughs offers you some valuable information in chapter 5 of his book, “The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment.” This chapter, titled “How Christ Teaches Contentment” deals specifically with the ways our Lord works into our lives a contented attitude.

Burroughs gives six ways Christ teaches us to be content. He teaches us:

1) to practice self-denial

2) to recognize the vanity of the creature

3) to understand the one thing necessary

4) to understand our relationship to the world

5) to understand the source of ‘good’ found in any created thing

6) to know our own hearts

Sometimes we find ourselves thinking, “If I were a good　Christian, I wouldn’t struggle so much with contentment!” Is this true? Is it possible to just ‘choose’ to be content? Or, is true contentment a lesson we must learn?

Burroughs says, “[Some] say, ‘You must be content,’. . .but Paul needed to learn. . .to be content in a Christian way. . .A Christian coming to contentment is a scholar in Christ’s school.”

Self-denial is a hard lesson to learn. We think far too highly of ourselves. Thus our Lord must soften our hearts and help us see ourselves as we truly are. Burroughs sees this as a multi-step process. He says we must:

a) Learn we are nothing. “The way to be able to bear anything is to know that we are nothing in ourselves.”

b) Learn we deserve nothing. While it is not a very popular thought, in reality we only deserve hell.

c) Learn we can do nothing (John 15:5). One popular lie many Christians believe, whether they realize it or not, is that we add something of value to God. In other words, in some sense (even if it is ever so small) God needs us. This is absolutely not true!

d) Learn we are a corrupt and unclean vessel in and of ourselves. We do not like to think of ourselves as depraved and desperately wicked, but that is what the Bible calls natural man.

e) Learn without God working in our hearts, we would take even the good around us and defile it.

f) Learn how vile and contrary to good we are in our natural state. Burroughs says, “We are but empty pitchers in respect to good, but we are like pitchers filled with poison.”

g) Learn the loss of our lives is really no loss. We are quick to think of ourselves as indispensable, but, in reality, “God can raise up someone else in my place to serve Him. . .”

Burroughs says, “Now just put these seven things together and then Christ has taught you self-denial. . .A man who is little in his own eyes will account every affliction as little, and every mercy as great.” As Christ works into your being an attitude of self-denial, Burroughs says, “. . .the soul comes to rejoice and take satisfaction in all God’s ways.” And, after all, is that not our chief end - to glorify God and enjoy Him forever?

Self-denial, is not the only thing we learn from Christ as we walk the path toward contentment. The second thing Christ teaches us is the vanity of the creature. Burroughs says, “There is nothing in the creature that is suitable for a gracious heart to feed upon for its good and happiness.” The things of this world do not bring us contentment “. . .because they are not things proportionable to [the]. . .immortal soul.”

Third, Christ teaches us the one thing that is most necessary. What is most necessary? What should we desire above all else? Once we have identified that one thing, and aligned our desires to it, are we not further along the path to contentment? Burroughs says ‘yes.’ But, of course, we must identify that one thing. He says, “It is necessary for me to make my peace with God. . .it is absolutely necessary that I should have pardon of my sin. . .it is necessary that I should have God as my portion, and have my part in Jesus Christ, it is necessary that my soul should be saved. . .” Is that the one thing you would have said?

His fourth point focuses on another area I struggle. I suspect I’m not alone in struggling to see myself as a pilgrim, a stranger, a soldier, a traveler. However, this is the label Scriptures give us. And, I suspect, to the degree we see ourselves this way, to that degree our contentment will grow. In fact, Burroughs pulls no punches when he says, “What an unseemly thing it would be to see a soldier go whining up and down with his finger in his eye, complaining that he does not have a hot meal . . .and his bed warmed. . .” I fear we often look far too much like this soldier!

His fifth point increases the pressure further. Here the author reminds us contentment is not found in ‘what’ we have. In fact, he says, all the ‘good’ in creatures and things is in its reference to God. Thus, we should evaluate our desires based on this criterion:

-Will this draw me nearer to God?

-Will it increase my enjoyment of Him?

-Will it make me more useful in His kingdom?

As if this is not challenge enough, Burroughs, in his seventh point, says Christ teaches us to become a student of our own heart. He says learning our own hearts is important because:

- It shows us the root of our discontent. Our discontent always flows from some corruption or disorder in our hearts. When we realize this, we have the key to calm our discontent.

- It allows us to comprehend and understand the good in particular afflictions.

- It helps us uncover (at least in part) the ‘why’ behind the removal of comfortable circumstances and situations.

I am certainly coming to understand why true contentment is such a struggle to attain. On the other hand, I can also see why it is worth the effort. May God grant me the grace to pursue, with diligence, this incomparable virtue.

Do you have a book list? Does it contain books you really want to read - for growth, direction, and training in godliness? If so, you probably want to retain what you read.

So, what is your retention track record? If you are like me, not so great. While I have no ‘hard and fast’ formula which is proven to work for any person in every situation, I think there are a few things which anyone can do to help increase their retention.

I quoted Tim Challies in an earlier blog. Tim, a prolific reader whose website, Discerning Reader, is packed with scores of insightful and helpful book reviews, admits to struggling with retaining what he reads. As a result, he has chosen to seek to “replace quality with quantity.”

I admire Tim’s voracious reading habits. I have benefitted several times from his insights. Furthermore, his blog is one of my favorites. Thus, knowing him to be a prolific reader, I contacted him (before he made the statement I referenced above) to find out what method he uses to retain what he reads. He said he had yet to discover a method which worked well for him.

I must admit - I do not like shooting in the dark. I do not have time for quantity in hopes of replacing quality. Furthermore, while I do not believe this to be Tim’s meaning, replacing quality with quantity can lead to a slapstick approach to an important endeavor.

When we read, are we not seeking to learn? If we are reading quality material (including our Bibles), surely this is the underlying goal. Thus, does it not behoove us to look at ‘how’ we learn? Surely we did not graduate from grammar school (and, for many, college) without unearthing a basic understanding of our learning style.

Take me. I am a poor auditory learner. If I do not take notes on a lecture or sermon, I retain next to nothing. Furthermore, I retain even more if my notes are in an outline format. Thus if my teacher or pastor is skilled at clarifying and illuminating their key points, I am more likely to walk away with at least a rough idea of what they were trying to communicate.

On his blog, CJ Mahaney has posted a fairly lengthy series of interviews with ministers tied to Sovereign Grace Ministries. One of his questions has been quite revealing. He has asked each person he has interviewed: “When you finish a book, what system have you developed in order to remember and reference that book in the future?”

Far too often the answer has been along this line: “I don’t have much of a system.”

I have no doubt some of these men are like my husband. Their mind tends to put what they read into a workable format from which they can draw in the future. Thus with a few notes in the margin, they are able to recall and benefit from what they have read.

I suspect, however, others work - with varying degrees of success - to retain and catalogue what they read. For them, this answer probably reveals they are struggling, to some degree, with retention.

Other answers given to this question were:

Underlining copiously
 Scrawling notes in the margin
 Scanning particularly ‘striking’ quotes
 Having one’s secretary turn all the scribbles into something sensible (and easy to access)
 Using a database to track quotes and references
 Jotting down highlights in a personal notebook

Obviously any serious reader is trying to retain what they read. Better yet, they want to not only know what they read, they want to be able to lay their hands on significant quotes. Furthermore, one would hope everyone who reads is also seeking to incorporate the truths which they read into their life.

In the end, I believe we need to approach our reading like we did our school studies - seriously! In other words, if we are going to devote the time to reading a book, we ought to be prepared to devote additional time to applying methods to help us remember what we read.

One popular method is SQ3R. This acronym stands for, survey, question, read, recall, and review.

Furthermore, proponents of this method (which can be quite effective) suggest using mind- mapping to help with retention.

Another method suggests creating a simple format with two columns. In the first column you record a key concept or idea from the book you are reading. In the second you record your personal reactions and ideas - and, when appropriate, plans for putting the concept into practice.

Furthermore, many recommend compiling a personal library of quality books which you re-read from time to time. In fact, if you build an annual reading list, you might find it worthwhile to include at least one re-read.

Regardless of what method you find most beneficial, I suspect it will include reading (obviously), thinking about what you read, and some sort of output (taking notes, writing a book review, or even a discussion group). Together these form the method taught in the Old Testament.

Deuteronomy 6:6-9 says, “And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.”

What method is being applied here?

1) The words are ‘commanded’ - given to them in a verbal format
 2) The words are to be ‘taught’ (to their children), ‘talked about’ (as they go about their daily lives), and ‘meditated upon and applied’ (in their hearts).
 3) The words were to be ‘written’ - not just on their hearts and minds but also in places where they would be seen regularly.

While there is nothing wrong with quantity, if we are not putting forth the effort (and for most of us it is just that - effort) to make our reading quality, we may be, for the most part, wasting our time. Granted, the methods listed above require more time, but if we are reading something which really matters, is not retaining it the primary purpose?