Finding contentment

I’ll probably be unpopular after this, but it seems that “The American Dream” has become distorted.

It used to be that people would come to America to find a place where they could pursue their hopes and dreams and make a life for themselves.

Today, however, it seems that the idea of “The American Dream” is 1) I “need” everything, and 2) I deserve to have it.

Don’t agree? Just watch 10 minutes of television and see what the commercials tell you! When did the word “need” replace the word “want?”

Friends, there’s something to be said for contentment. When you don’t “have to have everything,” there’s freedom there! So how does one go about making that happen? Here are a few ideas for you:

First, 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. That person you idolize so much is probably doing the same with you.

2 Corinthians 10:12 tells us: We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who commend themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another, and compare themselves with one another, they do not show good sense.

Comparing yourself to others is foolishness. There’s always going to be someone you just don’t seem to measure up to. Instead of comparing, start being the person God made you to be. You’ll never do better than His plan for you!

Second, be grateful for who you are and what you have. Learning to be content requires that you stop any “when and then” thinking – “When I am ———, then I’ll be happy.” (You fill in the blank.)

The problem with this thinking is, more than likely, someone else or something else will come along and drain the contentment from your life.

You’re unique. God created you to be like nobody else, so why would you want to be anyone else? God is perfect, and you were His perfect choice to be you. Understanding that is a huge step toward being content with your life.

Third, look at all the things God has given you. 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.

Fourth, 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. Why? Because God designed us to serve and share with others, and until we do that, we will feel great discontent.

Finally, 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.

Think about the things in your life: What will last forever? Hint: Many of the things you “had to have” are now in a landfill somewhere.

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?

One New Testament writer said: I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. (Philippians 4:11)

By re-organizing your life around eternal priorities, you’ll find yourself growing in contentment as you live according to God’s design and purpose.

Yeah, this all goes against the “entitlement mentality” that so many in our great country have today. But you’re far better off living God’s way and finding contentment than to always be striving for it and never finding it!