“BE content with such things as ye have" (Heb. 13:55Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. (Hebrews 13:5)), say the Scriptures; and it is as sweet to see Christian contentment in a child as in a grown-up person. Oh! my dear Christian boys and girls, what beautiful contentment have I seen even in children! I do not mean contentment in such children as have everything they-ask for, and get discontented because they get all they want, for if any one thing renders anybody more discontented than another, it is being spoiled.
A spoiled child grows up to be a tyrant. I saw a fine lady the other day, with her fingers covered with sparkling rings, and her person adorned with jewels. It was my misfortune to ride beside her in the railway-carriage. How she scolded at the railway guards and porters! How she complained of her husband! She smacked her hands together like a cross little infant, and nothing seemed to please her. Poor lady! she had been spoiled.
Now, real contentment must begin with the humblest things. In our picture, you see, it begins with the bread we eat. I think children who are contented with the little things of their every-day life will without doubt be so when great difficulties arise.
How contented with the trouble God sends them have I seen some children in pain and suffering upon their sick beds! So patient, so humble, so gentle! I knew a dear boy who was laid aside from his usual play for years, but he was the sunbeam of the family, his father told me-ah! and told me with tears, too, for his dear boy loved the Lord Jesus, and would speak to his parents and his brothers and sisters of Him.
So it is written, "Godliness with contentment is great gain." (1 Tim. 6:66But godliness with contentment is great gain. (1 Timothy 6:6).) For, dear Christian boys and girls, it is of small use speaking about our Lord and Saviour if we do not live like those He has made contented.
You see, your parents cannot give you all that you might wish for. Perhaps they have not it to give; perhaps they know what you wish for would be injurious to you. God gives each of His children just what is best, and withholds from them what He knows would injure them. If we are walking in the love of our God and Father we shall be content with such things as we have. There is no sight more sad than a grumbling child of God.
Once upon a time a young Christian was walking down a street, having a very sorrowful countenance. It was not that he had anything to make him look so miserable, far from it. He knew he was washed from his sins in the precious blood of Jesus Christ, and that heaven was his home, while, as regards this life, he certainly was in the enjoyment of as many mercies as most are. Well, as our young friend walked down the street, he lifted up his eyes, and before he could guess who it was, saw a gloomy-looking youth coming to meet him. "You are dull-looking," thought he. When suddenly he found himself before a great looking-glass exhibited in a shop window. Mr. Longface was himself! That looking-glass did him no end of good.
Now, my dear young friends, keep in view what God has done for you. You may say the Lord has done great things for us, whereof we are glad. Think of His favors to you, and of His mercies, and I am sure you will shine for Him a contented child.