Contentment

Lately i have been surrounded by talks of contentment as well as talks that causes my contentment to waver. For a good portion of the past 6 months i was learning more and more about relationships, dating, marriage and all that good stuff. And while it is "good stuff" it can also be harmful if i don't check my heart and desires and remind myself that there will come a time when that information is useful, but that may not be right now and that is okay. Today i listened to a podcast by Ben Stuart entitled "Contentment" and it was a great reminder of what i need to focus on right now.

"The default settings for many of our hearts is discontent"

Philippians 4:11-13

"I have learned how to be content/self-sufficient" - Paul it did not depend on his circumstances in life to be content, he learned to depend on God completely.

It's a command for Christians to be content. Godliness with contentment is great gain.

Guys don't want Barbie who is not ok without the dream home and convertible. They want someone who is going to be content for better and for worse and for richer or poorer. Girls want this type of person too. They don't want a guy who is so caught up in getting more that they work 80 hours a week because they have to get more of the things that they want. Girls want a man who is content with what they have and will be there emotionally and physically, and not always at work.

Contentment is really hard! Our world teaches that more is better. I think back to a show I watched occasionally when I was younger. "My Super Sweet Sixteen" was on MTV for a long period of time and followed a young person who was planning an over the top, elaborate sweet 16 birthday party. These parties generally included a huge venue, special catering, a larger than life cake, some famous performer, extravagant gowns or tuxes, and generally some kind of really expensive car as one of many gifts.

I remember one episode where the girl flew to Paris to pick out 2 or 3 different outfits for her various outfit changes throughout the night and had a very famous artist performing at the party. When it came time for the unveiling of her gifts, her parents led her outside and there was her brand new car. It was a nicer car than I will ever even have the opportunity to sit in, let alone own. Her reaction is what got me though. She was mad because it was not the one that she wanted. Through her tears she cursed at her parents for not giving her exactly what she wanted. I was stunned watching that.

Even with the most extravagant party and outfits and gifts, she still wasn't content. Instead she disrespected her parents in front of all of her friends and on national television.

Is there something in your life that you have not been content with or grateful for that God has given you? I encourage you to take it to God and express what you are feeling and ask for forgiveness.