Contentment

Philippians 4: 11 "...I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want."

"The average American is exposed to about 300 advertisements a day...such bombardments do a number on us...there is a subliminal message that detonates deep down inside our heads - in a word, it is discontentment. Dissatisfaction. It creates (if we let it) a restless drive for more...or better...or bigger. Three hundred times a day it chips away at the dam that supports one of the last reservoirs of inner peace known to man - contentment."

I found myself watching a report yesterday on all the makeover shows on TV. I must admit that I love watching them. They stir the part of me that wants to be better, look better, improve. There is nothing wrong with wanting to be the best you can be - but at what price? Am I willing to sacrifice health or relationships for "improvement"? There are so many things we want - a new house, better furniture, different decorations, new clothes. How much is valid - how much is truly needed? To an individual in a 3rd world country we have been overly blessed with material goods and opportunities. In this culture, in suburban Chicagoland, I don't quite measure up. God, help me to filter out the things that cause discontentment...and help me to focus on the main thing...my relationship with Christ.