But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 1 Timothy 6:6-7 NIV
‘Oh, that purse would match my green jacket!’ I would exclaim while browsing the windows and shops at the local outlet mall. ‘This new tech gadget will make our lives so much easier,’ justifies my husband as he clicks ‘buy now.’
Years ago our loving Lord showed me that ‘shopping’ allows the enemy to plant seeds of discontentment in my thoughts. A new sofa with fresh colors became more attractive than my well-used, faded, reliable, older couch. Bright and cheerfully colored orange, teal, mustard, and red dishes drew me to want to throw out my recently purchased brown plates and bowls.
Recently, I realized that home design shows were also planting seeds of discontentment in me. Thoughts of re-painting, and knocking down walls, this layout isn’t ‘good enough’ anymore were cluttering my previously content, cozy thoughts of our home.
Seeds of discontentment look for fertile ground to plant themselves in and establish roots. Mirrors and the media can reflect comparison seeds of ‘not skinny enough, not macho enough, not rich enough, not pretty enough, handsome enough or athletic enough. Men and women can long for their spouses to be more like someone else; their friend’s outgoing, business-successful, husband, or wife that looks like she never had a child, the praying Pastor, or spirit-filled worship leader. Pornography, gambling, and substance addictions feed discontentment because one always needs more.
We must be careful, guarding our eyes, hearts, and thoughts (Proverbs 4:23.) Window shopping may seem harmless but if it stirs up discontentment, it is a dangerous, toxic tool of the enemy. Home improvement shows may seem a better choice than crime, dysfunctional drama, or sin-embracing comedy but if it leads you to discontentment, it is no better.
Discontentment has been a tool of the sly, cunning enemy since creation (Genesis 3). The evil enemy planted the seed of discontentment in Eve. She had all this other fruit to satisfy her but the evil enemy suggested the other fruits and trees weren’t good enough, another fruit tree would offer more satisfaction, the one tree God had forbidden them to eat from.
Beware, friends, ask God to show you any areas in your life, attitudes, and walk that might be a result of discontentment, and ask His forgiveness.
Father God, forgive us for wrong thoughts, wrong attitudes, and wrong actions. Forgive us for not being satisfied with the many ways in which You bless us. Grow us in gratitude, appreciation, and contentment. We are undeserving but Your great grace has given us more than we deserve. In Your Gracious Name, we pray. Amen.
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. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:12-13 NIV
