I'm sure you've heard the term, "the grass is greener on the other side". I think we all have that mentality to some extent. We tend to want more than we have and sometimes we even want things we shouldn't have. There are two subjects in the scriptures that deal with this very thing. One is envy/covetousness and the other is contentment. Those words clash like plaid and polka-dots. We can't be content and covet at the same time.

Have you ever watched a child open a gift they didn't like? They are disappointed and sometimes even throw tantrums. I have always thought that this behavior was so disrespectful and I would never have acted in such a way when I was a child.

The truth is that, even as adults, we are sometimes no different than that ungrateful child. We must break the heart of our Father as we try to "keep up with the Jones'". We are ever after the bigger house, the newer car, the latest fashions, the next best thing. What a slap in the face to the one that the scripture says is the giver of all good and perfect things. James 1:17 says this, "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness or shadow of turning."

Did you catch that? Every good and perfect gift is from Him. HE knows what we need and what we want. He knows the deepest desires of our hearts and His gifts are always perfect for us...whether we know it or not.

We all know not to covet and we know that envy is a no no as well. But what do we know about contentment?

Webster defines content in this way;

CONTENT, n.

1. Rest or quietness of the mind in the present condition; satisfaction which holds the mind in peace, restraining complaint, opposition, or further desire, and often implying a moderate degree of happiness.

What does the Bible say about contentment?

Actually, God has plenty to say about contentment and it is mostly packed in to a few powerful verses. In Luke we are told that Soldiers were coming to John to be baptized and they were asking him, " What shall we do?". He said," Do not forcibly extort anyone, nor accuse any falsely. And be content with your wages."

Paul tells us that he has learned to be content no matter what happens to him. "...for I have learned to be content in whatever state I am. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound. In everything and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:11-13)

For we brought nothing into the world, and it is clear that we can carry nothing out. But having food and clothing, we will be content. But they who will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts which plunge men into destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all evils, of which some having lusted after, they were seduced from the faith and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But you, O man of God, flee these things and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and meekness. (1 Timothy 6:7-11)

Marriage is honorable in all, and the bed undefiled, but fornicators and adulterers God will judge. Let your way of life be without the love of money, and be content with such things as you have, for He has said, "Not at all will I leave you, not at all will I forsake you, never!" (Hebrews 13:4-5)

Most of these verses speak of being content with what money and possessions we have. We don't always have to want more and more. If we need it God will give it to us. He will NEVER leave us or forsake us. NEVER. He knows what we need before we need it and He always provides, doesn't He?

Another thing to look at is the marriage. I don't think it is mere coincidence that this verse is included here. So many marriages end because people have grown bored and discontent so they go out looking for the next best thing and this breaks hearts and destroys marriages.

When were are not content with the gifts and blessings that God has given us in our lives, we are acting like that spoiled child. We are being ungrateful and disrespectful to our Heavenly Father. We are telling Him that His gifts and blessings are just not good enough, even though He is the giver of perfect gifts. How that must break His heart.

I won't say that I haven't struggled with these issues. I struggle with all of them. But I know that He has given me the perfect gift of His Holy Spirit to give me strength to run the race and to help me make the right decisions along the way. And that tells me that no matter the struggles that I have, I can make it. I can be pleasing to Him. That is encouraging to me. And I hope that you will be encouraged with me today.

In Christ,

Shirley