Do we have enough?

They are the enemies of the cross of Christ: . . . who set their mind on earthly things. — Philippians 3:18-19

 No matter how much we accumulate, it seems we never have enough. The more we have, the more we want. It’s a phenomenon a friend of mine calls the Barbie-doll law: “Accessories once considered optional become mandatory, creating needs and wants we never thought of before.” More often than not, we come to the end of every endeavor and acquisition vaguely discontented and unhappy.

Henry Kissinger, former US Secretary of State, writes, “To Americans, tragedy is wanting something very badly and not getting it. But many people have had to learn . . . that perhaps the worst form of tragedy is wanting something badly, getting it, and finding it empty.”

The apostle Paul, on the other hand, said he had learned how to be content: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). Do all things? Does that mean he could run faster than a speeding bullet or leap over tall buildings? No, but he could be content, whether full or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.

True contentment comes from our Lord alone. We must ask Him to flood us with His presence and strengthen us with His love, so that we will be satisfied with Him and what He has given. Only then can we rest in contentment. — David Roper

Thinking It Over

On a scale of 1-10, how content are you?

How does the world promote dissatisfaction?

What can you do to become more content?

READ: Philippians 3:17-19; 4:10-13

The contented person is never

poor; the discontented is never rich.

The Bible in one year:

• Zechariah 3-6