The Art of Contentment
There have been plenty of times where I’ve witnessed a blessing that someone else received, and wished that were me. Whether it be a new car, a higher paying job, or a bigger house, deep down inside, I thought of how nice it’d be if that were me instead. I’m not gonna lie, I’ve done this plenty of times, but as I’ve grown spiritually, I’ve learned the importance of contentment, and how critical it is to be thankful for what you have and not envious for what you don’t have.
It’s easy to see the things that other people have, but many times we don’t see the behind-the-scenes of what it took that person to receive it or the blood, sweat, and tears it took them to achieve their goal. We only see the outcome. I received a very important promotion once at a design company that paid very well. But what many people didn’t know was that it involved me working tons over overtime, and usually doing different tasks that I didn’t want to do, but the fact that I was willing to take on extra tasks and push for the maximum instead of the minimum, this had raised the bar for my work and gave the “higher ups” a reason to look at my performance and recognize my dedication. It definitely felt good inside.
As I’ve grown, I’ve learned that if I want bigger things, I have to be willing to do the work. Sometimes this means staying up to work on a project, or sacrificing my personal time to get things done. But another part of it is being content with what I already have. My life right now may not be full of glitz and glamour, and I may not have that Range Rover that I’ve always wanted or a constant entourage around me, but I do have a full time job, a family that adores me, and I have EVERYTHING that I need at this point in time. I’m completely content and thankful for everything I have. Being discontent with what you have is the same as questioning the goodness of God. Why haven’t you brought me a husband? What didn’t you give me that promotion? Why are you doing this to me? We are not to question God’s motives for us, but be content and thankful for the grace He’s given and continues to give us.
When we stand with God in contentment, this is pleasing to Him. The Bible says, “Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain. Turn my eyes away from worthless things, renew my life according to your word.” (Psalm 119:36-37) Once you learn to be satisfied with your life and all the things in it, you will eventually see growth and that blessings that flow from it.