Bible Students

Some Thoughts on “Margin” by Richard Swenson (chapters 11-15)

This set of chapters finished out the book, Margin. Margin is needed for proper help in the life of the Christian. Christians need to be able to give margin in their lives. Many things are needed to lend help to margin, otherwise it can stand on its own. Margin can not stand on its own, it must be given proper room. Margin will be pushed out of the life of the Christian if it is not given the proper place to thrive. More technology and easier access to entertainment has tanked contentment. The technology of the age has given instant access to whatever the viewer wants. This means the Christian can have instant entertainment and does not need to exercise real commitment, even to watching a television show. The Christian can do whatever, whenever, without any effort. No one today is content. 

Sacred contentment is what the Lord commands. The sacred contentment is the kind of contentment that accepts what God has given. Christians must stop looking at the things other people have in envy. Envy destroys contentment because it tells the Christian that they deserve what other people have. Christians should be surrounded by others who love them and help them to be content in the situations they are, Christians who point them to be thankful for what the Lord has given them. Christians need to have others around them who will ward off envy and raise contentment in the life of the believer. 

If emotions disagree with God’s goodness, the Christian needs to fight back. This is a lie from the inner being of the Christian. If pride goes against God’s sovereignty and an envy for more comes, the Christian must fight back. Pride in the life of the believer is the belief that they can rival God. Either they believe they deserve what they have in their own power, or they believe they can take control of their life and only answer to themself. 

However, to remedy this, simplicity may help to fight back against discontentment. Loaning and giving away possessions is a celebration. When there is a detachment from material goods and an attachment to simplicity, contentment rises. A detachment from material goods does not mean that material goods are evil. However, it does mean that material goods can become a snare for those who desire material goods over spiritual health. I have had my own season of wanting material things over spiritual things. Of course, this does not mean I am completely free from this, as no one is. However, I have found that reducing the amount of material things I have, and especially the time playing videogames or watching TV, has greatly improved my drive and ability for spiritual growth. I have found a lot more contentment since largely ceasing to play videogames. I used to play games a few hours every day, but after going to college I have felt a supreme sense of worthlessness when playing games alone. Now, I have played videogames on livestreams and with friends, but both of these practices are not purposeless, because they are for spiritual things. When I play games alone, however, I become very sad, and feel as though I am wasting myself. The role of videogames in my life has reversed: First, it was a method of feeling content, but now playing games only leads to discontentment. 

Simplicity may help to fight back against discontentment. Loaning and giving away possessions is a celebration. When there is a detachment from material goods and an attachment to simplicity, the Christian is able to freely choose spiritual growth. Growth is always better when freely chosen. Discipline is needed to seek authenticity over comfort. In order to do this, the Chirstian must strip down material goods to authentic living. Simple is not easy. Simplicity must avoid the sin of legalism. Christians must not deteriorate into the vice of pride. God created a world full of good physical things, but those things can become a snare when individuals look to them over God. 

Simple living is not a place or retreat, it is an attitude and transcension. The Christian must choose who to please: Their peers who want you to be materially flashy, or God. Easy rules of thumb: Buy things for their usefulness, not their status. Reject fashion, and be able to share and give away. The practice of loaning and giving things away has been very profitable. Though I have not done it much, being able to lend things has been very freeing. 

Now, when talking about how Christians are to strive for excellence in the Lord, there are two main ways to go about. The Christian can, on one hand, seek to live a balanced life in all areas. However, this will not lead to an excelling in any area. On the other hand, if the Christian seeks to live a life capitalizing on their strengths, they may be able to contribute something to other people which no one else is, while being imbalanced and leaving some attributes in the dust. The one who desires to excel in one area must be able to risk failure in another area. 

There should be an order to priorities. Wealth and power is not a top priority. One must love God, family, their job, all at the same time. The Christian has to be sure not to take on too much. The Christian must know how to say no. The Christian must do what he does well, but can not do everything. Speed feels good, but Christians must slow down and take their time. Resting and contemplation are acts of worship to the Lord. I am thankful to say I have been able to say no to a few opportunities. The Lord has greatly blessed me, to place me into a situation where I am able to deny good opportunities because I have something better. I can not do anything more than what I am doing right now without wearing myself out. Between work, school, church, and my relationship, I do not have any space for large commitments. Being faithful in this area is where I believe I am called right now. 

Sabbath rest comes from taking time in the love of God. Christ’s yoke seems like suffering, but when it is put on it shows true rest. Christ knew He was suffering, but also that He was winning. Spiritual self worth is related to how Jesus sees us. Degrees and houses will never give us our worth, only Jesus will. Christians can spend love infinitely, as God gives them love infinitely. The more one spends of love, the richer they become. Christians do not have to love in the same way they do not have to breathe. I am so grateful love is not something which can be spent. God gives love indefinitely, and Christians can love people without the fear that the love will be dried up. Love is made better in the company of more love. This is a great truth.  This section of the reading has been helpful, again. This book has overall been a great reminder and exhortation toward rest. Rest will not make itself, I have to make room for rest in my life. Without rest, I will be destroyed. I am only human. Therefore, I must make room for rest.