Posted on 02/04/2010 8:57:54 PM PST by GonzoII
Our conformity to the will of God should extend to our natural defects, mental ones included. We should not, for example, complain or feel grieved at not being so clever or so witty or not having such a good memory as other people. Why should we complain of the little that has fallen to our lot when we have deserved nothing of what God has given us? Is not all a free gift of His generosity for which we are greatly indebted to Him? What services has He received from us that He should have made us a human being rather than some lower animal? Have we done anything to oblige Him to give us existence itself?
But it is not enough just not to complain. We ought to be content with what we have been given and desire nothing more. What we have is sufficient because God has judged it so. Just as a workman uses the shape and size of tool best suited to the job in hand, so God gives us those qualities which are in accordance with the designs He has for us. The important thing is to use well what He has given us. It may be added that it is very fortunate for some people to have only mediocre qualities or limited talents. The measure of them that God has given will save them, while they might be ruined if they had more.
Superiority of talent very often only serves to engender pride and vanity and so become a means of perdition.
1. THE WILL OF GOD MADE AND GOVERNS ALL THINGS
2. GOD DOES EVERYTHING WITH SUPREME WISDOM
3. THE GREAT ADVANTAGES TO BE GAINED FROM
ENTIRE CONFORMITY TO THE DIVINE WILL
4. IN THE NATURAL INCIDENTS IN OUR DAILY LIVES LIVES/IN CALAMITIES
5. IN THE CARES AND DIFFICULTIES OF FAMILY LIFE
6. IN REVERSES OF FORTUNE
7. IN POVERTY AND ITS HARDSHIPS
8. IN ADVERSITY AND DISGRACE
9. IN DEFECTS OF NATURE
Very interesting perspective. I never considered that being apologetic for a lack of intelligence or wit might not be the right attitude. It is true, we must be content with what He has given us.
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