Confessions: Being Content

Let me explain how my mind works ( this could be hard!!)  I was perusing the web today, looking for some fall decorating ideas and came across some beautiful tablescapes.  Admiring the beautiful displays of pumpkins and leaves, I noticed my focus was straying from the decor to the table itself.  Before too long, I was researching dining room tables.  (Note:  I just went from a $50 craft project, to a whole room makeover, including new furniture, in split seconds.  If only I could harness those brainwaves for good works!!)  Not only was I itching for a new table, but also new chairs.  Suddenly, I didn't like MY dining room table.  Granted, my table has "character".  It boasts some green crayon, black permanent marker, the finish is chippingand as our family grows, it continues to get smaller, but it serves it purpose, it's solid, it is a perfectly good table.  But that other one is still calling my name...what is wrong with me?  Why can't I be content?

The internal struggle is so superficial and shallow, yet it is one that I deal with more often than I like to admit.  Contentment...It is hard to fathom the showering of blessings that my family and I possess--our health, a nice (temporary) home, vehicles to drive, family that has supported us on this move (even though their hearts are sad), TWO awesome church families.  I now, after years of desiring it, I stay at home with the kids and can devote my time to the family without the balancing act.  Most importantly, I have a Savior who died for my sins and understands all human obstacles. Yet, there are times that I struggle with being content over the silliest things...like a dining table.

Anytime that I shared time with others in their home, it was not their possessions that made me feel welcome, but their open hearts and hospitality.  Yet, I often find myself in a battle of the comparisons...a battle that I would never win.  Why?  Because I would be focused on things of THIS world, not focused on things above.

In Hebrews 13:5, the inspired writer states "Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have.  For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."  (NKJV)

1 Timothy 6: 6-8
" (6) Now godliness with contentment is great gain.  (7)For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. (8) And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content."

Matthew 6:31-33
"(31) Therefore do not worry, saying 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or "What shall we wear?' (32) For after all these things the Gentiles seek.  For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. (33) but seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you."

The Bible is very straight-forward on the topic of contentment and covetousness.  Why?  If my desires are of this world, including possessions, they cannot be on God.  Now, don't get me wrong, the Lord expects us to work and not be lazy.  However, even within our careers and our volunteer work, the glory should be given to the Lord.

So many things in this world can become an idol that is "worshiped" instead of praising, thanking, and looking to God...TV, sports, Facebook, blogging, careers, possessions, even our families.  None of these things are wrong, some (such as families) are highly discussed in the Bible, some are necessary (careers and possessions), and some are simply hobbies, yet any of them can morph into simple parts of our lives to full-blown distractions that ever-so-slowly move our hearts and minds away from God.  Satan sure is a sly-one.

How does our lack of contentment affect our kids?  We are our children's first teachers and the
strongest influence in their lives.  (Trust me...I was a teacher for seven years.  Frequently, when I met the parents, I totally understood the kid.  We influence them!!)  We tell our children to eat healthy as we roll through the drive-thru.  Or to respect others, while we talk about people behind their backs.  
Or to play nice with their siblings, while we fight with our spouse.  Contentment?  We tell our children that they can't buy something every time they go to Wal-mart, but we are constantly buying. 
 Our children are the greatest reflection of our hearts...I cringe at that thought.  What am I teaching my children through my actions?   

In addition to teaching our children to be content, comparing ourselves to others also leads us to a false sense of perfection.  Facebook and pinterest are two of the worst offenders in the perfection department.  We view posts of our friends and families and question "why doesn't my life look that good?"...and the discontentment settles into our brain.  Notice that our focus is still NOT on God.  I heard a quote that once said "the reason we struggle with insecurity is because we compare our behind the scenes to everyone else's highlight reel."  On Facebook, blogs, pinterest, twitter, and in life, everyone wants to appear as though they have it all together and everything is perfect.  If we chose to believe such hogwash, the "comparison and lack of contentment" mindset is here to stay.  The comparisons and discontent can actually paralyze our lives and will take the joy out of living.

Unfortunately, the world doesn't help with the issue of contentment.  The "newest" and the "best" is always around us...television, radio, billboard ads, the internet, even in conversation with friends and colleagues.  Remember, that all of these trivial and temporary "things" are of this world and God is calling to us to return our eyes to Him.  Although the world shouts and God whispers, His whispers are always the right thing and are always consistent.

Retraining ourselves to be content is a life-long venture.  Full mastery will never be obtained.  However, the journey along the pathway will be a valuable lesson to our children, a testament to our faith, an inspiration to our friends and family,  and the best way to enjoy our CURRENT life----not where our life could possibly be one day.











Rachel