Wisdom For Life: The Ability To Be Content

Even when you get just what you ask for, it may not be what you thought!

           

A few weeks ago, I walked out of a store into a large, car-filled parking lot, and my eyes immediately fixated upon a small, bright-red sports car. It was beautiful! I walked up to the car, looked it over, and then realized that someone was sitting in the driver's seat. Just as I caught his eye, he opened the door and began an excruciating climb out of the low-slung car. Because there was no way for me to escape the situation without talking, I waited. Then I asked him, after watching him struggle to lift himself out of the car, if it was 'worth it.' He flashed me a big smile and said, "Oh yeah!" We both had a good laugh and spoke for a moment about the perils of aging and "getting what you've always wanted."

          

 Isn't that the way it is in life? You can yearn for something for years, save your money and finally get it, but the results are almost always the same: 

 

After the new is worn off, it begins to lose its luster. Eventually, time takes its toll, and the joy and satisfaction it gives tend to fade. Almost everything in life is like that, and part of maturing is learning that not many things are genuinely 'worth it' to gain, especially if the costs of ownership are high! Whatever it is, be it a car, house, or pair of shoes.

           

This is part of what the Bible talks about. When we read scripture, we are taught that almost everything in this life will fade. What brings joy and happiness today will one day no longer be as satisfying, or it might wear out or even be stolen! 

 

In fact, we are taught that only two things bring truly lasting joy into our lives: good and loving relationships and a living faith in Jesus.

           

Our relationships with others can be a true blessing, bringing joy into our hearts and putting a smile on our faces. Our faith in Jesus can be with us through good times and bad, giving us insight into the situations of life, encouraging and strengthening us, and ultimately carrying us into life after this life on earth. It is "worth it!"

          

 The Apostle Paul says, "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your forbearing spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:4-7)

           

It's alright to gain worldly goods – they can be seen as blessings, or gifts, from God. Remember that everything in this life will fail; the only things truly 'worth it' are your good and loving relationships and your faith in Jesus.  

 

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Thank you for listening. We will see you next week.