August 6, 2009
~Denise Grant
“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” Philippians 4:12
Contentment is good for the soul. Like so many words in our English language, we’ve lost the meaning of that word. We’ve somehow gathered the notion that contentment is measured by the amount of wealth we possess.
Who are we kidding? Striving, consuming and accumulating will never bring us happiness! What it will bring is; anxiety and apprehension – fear and failure – worry and woe. In the long run, we lead ineffective and dismal lives- never truly pleasing God.
It’s a dog-eat-dog world we live in and everyone you know is plowing over somebody trying to get ahead. My mother used to call that, “keeping up with the Jones’”. Despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary, most people still believe that money brings true contentment. But the rich only crave greater riches. Those playing the game, find themselves in an endless cycle which ultimately ends in ruin and destruction – not to mention a fair share of misery along the way.
We dive head-long into society’s raging river and get caught up in a race of over-spending, over-committing, and over-working.. And for what - a momentary speck of happiness – gone tomorrow? Have we merely become a robotic force of satisfaction-seekers - Happiness-hunters - And peace-pursuers?
When we put riches at the top of our value system, the comforts of today overshadow the eternal value of our relationship with God. We think we will be happy or content when we get riches, only to discover that they bring nothing but transient pleasure.
The true measurement of happiness or contentment is an eternal one. You will find true happiness if you put eternal riches above earthly riches.
“You cannot serve two masters; God and money. For you will hate one and love the other, or else the other way around.” Matthew 6:24 TLB You should not be so fascinated with your possessions for fear that they possess you. This means you may have to do some cutting back if your possessions are becoming too important to you. Jesus calls for a decision that allows us to live contentedly with whatever we have because we have chosen what is eternal and lasting and not those things that can fade can be stolen or used up.
“You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.” Exodus 20:17 God says we must not envy the possessions of others. He knows that possessions cannot make us happy. You can admire someone else’s possessions and even think, “I’d like to have one of those,” without being envious. Envy comes when you begin to resent the fact that others have what you don’t. Resentment and envy are sinful sisters – so watch out – they’ll draw you into their lair!
Since only God can supply all our needs, true contentment is found in Him. When you begin to feel envious – and you will, you’re human –try to determine if there is a more basic need you have that stands behind that envy. For example, you may be envious of someone’s success not because you want to take away their success, but because you have a more basic need to feel appreciated by others. If this is the case, pray that God will bring you through your envy and help you meet those needs.
Father God,
Help us learn to be content with what we have and what You have chosen to give us. Help us also learn to put our eternal riches above our earthly riches. In Jesus name, Amen.
Denise Grant - Just "clay" in the Master Potter's hands.
"If we ever forget that we are one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under." ~Ronald Reagan
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