Circumstances
A slave convinced himself he would obey his master — if the master were reasonable in his demands, and appreciative of his service. Peter said to obey even the froward master, for conscience toward God for this is acceptable with God (1 Pet. 2:18-).
A wife said her husband was not a Christian, so why should she be subject to him? Peter said she should adorn herself in the sight of God, and she might win her husband by her chaste manner of life (1 Pet. 3:1-6).
A child thought his parents didnt understand him, so he couldnt please them, no matter how he tried. But Paul said, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord (Col. 3:20).
A woman thought she couldnt worship God in a city filled with people she had been taught to shun; but Jesus said that true worship was done in spirit and truth, regardless of the location (Jn. 4:23-24).
We blame our failures on external circumstances — all would be well if only the surroundings were changed — when the problem is within. If we were changed, we would see our circumstances differently. We would look beyond the immediate and inconsequential surroundings to the One whose judgment is the final word. What does God want of me? What is His will for me? How can I best serve Him?
A church spends thousands of dollars for a place of worship, yet may do little to improve the actual place of worship — the hearts of its members. Call it to their attention and they will have a business meeting — dim the lights — change the order of service — more externals!! Its like seeking happiness in things of life, and doing nothing to change the heart that must use the things.
Genuine Christianity changes the slave, not the master; the wife, not her circumstances. A child of God is content in whatsoever state he may be (Phil. 4:11-13), for he can do all things through Christ ... He knows there is a circumstance beyond immediate circumstances — the love of, and obligation to, the heavenly Father.