Musick-al Note # 197
Children in families do become unhappy and we overlook it to a degree for they often think only of themselves and are not satisfied when someone else gets attention or receives a blessing from parents of someone else. We just call it a mark of immaturity and try to teach them to be more mature. Sometimes adults become unhappy because they feel they are being used by others and not receiving the respect they should. Whatever the particular case, unhappiness usually comes because of our egocentric attitude toward life and people.
We find unhappiness within the Lord’s church and the cause is the same as above. Christians, however, should not allow their lives to be ruled by egoism. The very premise upon which one becomes a Christian demands self-denial (Matthew 16:24). One cannot follow Christ and his own selfish will at the same time. To try to do so will result in being disturbed and unhappy. We ought to mature in Christ so that we live and work for Him in His kingdom. We ought to set aside the desires of our selfish will so that Christ will truly reign within and direct our lives in doing good works. If the preacher or elders do not act in ways we think they should, do we take offense and quit working and serving? Do we demand (selfishly) that certain changes come about and become unhappy when they fail to come? Sometimes we won’t even voice our disapproval to those with whom we disagree, yet murmur and complain to others causing discord and dissatisfaction among the body of Christ. “It won’t do any good!” we cry, yet have never tried or if we have. it has been a long time ago. We are to be members one of another and our love is to abound toward one another above all things. Will we carry a grudge to use as an excuse for inaction or will we act like mature Christians? Are we are living in danger of eternal loss because of such selfishness? What is to be gained by continuing a selfish course? What loss will we sustain if we go to judgment separated from our brethren?
Let our love be genuine and be like Christ.
Gordon Musick
Musick-al Notes 