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Firstly, let me start off by saying that this article is a summary of two devotionals that I read on “The Purpose Driven Life Daily Devotional” by Rick Warren.

 

The topic struck a chord with me because of the current economic crisis facing the world economy; and working in the hospitality industry this is magnified daily. Both devotionals were based on the following scripture:

 

“I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 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 4:11 & 12 (NIV)

 

Imagine a new reality show called, “Why is it in your closet?” The host, acting like your best friend, goes through your closet, asking why you own this outfit or those pair of shoes.

A condition of the show requires you to answer honestly how many items in your closet were bought because you just had to have the latest trend or because you felt just a teeny, tiny bit jealous about the way your friend or co-worker always wears the latest styles? Are there things in your closet you bought because you were bored with your wardrobe, or because the scent of discontent filled the air as you shuffled between hangers?
 

Now, before you get all defensive, there is nothing wrong with wanting to look nice, or to have nice things, or to try to better your life and the lives of those you love. Discontentment, wrapped within the proper perspective, is one thing God uses to move us in a new, healthy direction.

Discontentment becomes unhealthy when your desire to acquire becomes the focus of your life. In fact, at that point, your possessions begin to possess you and your discontentment becomes a short leash that controls you and actually holds you back from experiencing the abundant life God created you to enjoy.

Here are four steps to develop contentment in your life:

1. Stop comparing yourself to others. When you compare your life with someone else’s, the only place it can lead is toward discontentment. There will always be people who appear to be better off than you, but you don’t know their real circumstances.

2. Be grateful for who you are and what you have. You are unique and your life’s path is unique. God created you to be like nobody else, so why would you want to be anyone else. So often we allow what we don’t have to so dominate our focus that we forget the many wonderful things we already have, not only material blessing, but far more important things, such as family and friends.

3. Give yourself to others. If you will begin giving yourself to others, sharing what things you do have, sharing your time and your talents, you will find yourself learning to be content. Helping others will give you an appreciation for what you have and who you are, but more importantly, you will find yourself growing content.

4. Focus on things with eternal value. The real secret to becoming content is to focus on the things that have eternal value. It may be a familiar teaching to you, but Jesus said we should store up our treasures in heaven, and not on earth “where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal” (Matthew 6:19-21 NIV).

Thought
Think about the things in your life: What will last forever? What will last at least for your lifetime? What will last a few short years, or months, or days? Based on eternal value, what things are most important in your life? Where - and with whom - should you put your most time and energy?

May the Lord help us to be contented throughout 2009!

 

Damion This article was written by Damion and added 1 year, 6 months ago to Perspective-only for thinkers.
Damion says... Be proactive, Begin with the end in mind, Put first things first, Think Win/Win, Seek first to understand-then be understood-, Synergize, and always take time out to Sharpen the saw..