Learning To Be Content 3

Hello Everyone,

We have talked about the effects of wanting too much. Now let’s look at HOW TO LEARN CONTENTMENT.

The first step in learning to be content is RESIST COMPARING MYSELF TO OTHERS.
Comparing always leads to coveting.

We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise. 2 Cor. 10:12

That means it's dumb! If you're comparing yourself -- houses, cars, jobs, looks, and clothes -- it's stupid. It's not wise. God says you just create dissatisfaction.

How do you react when you see somebody with a nicer car? Do you say, "I wish I had that" or can you just be glad that they've got it. How do you react when you see somebody with a nicer house or more beautiful furniture? One of the greatest lessons you can learn, learn to admire without having to acquire.

You can't own everything. Learn to admire without having to acquire.

Why do we compare? The Bible says don't do it. We compare because in our society the way we keep score is by possessions.

We're insecure. We're always looking around and asking "How am I doing"? Listen Your net worth has absolutely no relationship to your self worth.

You can be a millionaire and a jerk or be poor and be wonderful.

People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. I Tim. 6:9

Things can control us. You can be possessed by your possessions if you don't watch out. People will sacrifice values, morals, integrity, all kinds of things in order to get more.

They'll even sacrifice relationships to get another dollar.
Did you hear about the lady that won the lottery? She won 17 million dollars. She called home to her live-in boyfriend, "I've just won the lottery. I'm worth 17 million dollars. Start packing." The boy friend said, "Great, warm weather or cold weather," She said, "It doesn't matter as long as you're gone when I get home."

They'll sacrifice relationships.

To be content we should REJOICE IN WHAT I DO HAVE.
Appreciate what you've got and be grateful to God. Open your eyes.

Eccl. 5:19 Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work—this is a gift of God.

Circle "enjoy" and "gift". God says I want you to enjoy and be grateful for what you've got. It's a gift. You wouldn't have anything if it weren't for God. It's all a gift from God.

We get into a trap I call “When” and “Then” Thinking. When and Then
Thinking says, "When I get ________________, then I'll be happy."

What are you waiting on to make you happy? When I get married then I'll be happy. When I get out of this marriage then I'll be happy. When I have kids then I'll be happy. You are as happy as you want to be.

It's your choice. Forget the “When” and “Then” Thinking.

Happiness is not getting whatever you want. Happiness is enjoying whatever you have.

The fact is God wants you to enjoy what you've got. He commands you to enjoy what you've got.

2 Timothy says God has richly provided us with everything for our enjoyment. God wants you to enjoy what you already have. Rejoice in it. God enjoys watching you enjoy what He's given you.

I enjoy watching my kids enjoy what I've given them. God enjoys watching you enjoy what He's given you.

Proverbs 15:27 "A greedy man brings trouble to his family."

One of the marks of maturity is when you can say "enough's enough, I'm happy." There are two ways to have enough in life: get more or want less.

All For Jesus
Phil