Contentment and Duty

Biblical Illustrator
Hebrews 13:5
Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as you have: for he has said, I will never leave you…

There is a fable told about a king's garden in which the trees and all the flowers began to make complaint. The oak was sad because it did not bear flowers; the rosebush was sad because it did not bear fruit; the vine was sad because it had to cling to the wall and could cast no shadow. "I am not the least use in the world," said the oak. "I might as well die, since I yield no fruit," said the rosebush. "What good can I do?" said the vine. Then the king saw a little pansy, which held up its glad, fresh face, while all the rest were sad. And the king said, "What makes you so glad when all the rest pine and are so sad? I thought," said the pansy, "that you wanted me here because you planted me, and so I made up my mind that I would try and be the best little pansy that could be." Let us all try to do our best in the little spot where God's hand has placed us.

20In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use. 

21Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.

22Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

23Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. 

24And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 

25Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 

26and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.