THE
BOOK OF GOD'S PROMISES
Living in Contentment
By
J. Steven Lang
CBN.com
-- The comic Will Rogers described advertising as "making people want
what they don't need and paying for it with money they don't have." He understood
a basic principle of advertising: Make the person discontent, make them feel their
life would be better if they had product X. "My life would be fine if only I had
. . ." What? A better job, a new car, more vacation time, bigger muscles, a new
hair color? In fact, this feeling didn't begin with the age of advertising.
It's as old as humanity. The Bible writers were familiar with it. They were also
familiar with an ageless truth: Nothing brings contentment except living within
God's will. A relaxed attitude lengthens life; jealousy rots it away. Proverbs
14:30 For the happy heart, life is a continual feast. Proverbs 15:15 It
is better to be poor and godly than rich and dishonest. Proverbs 16:8 A
dry crust eaten in peace is better than a great feast with strife. Proverbs
17:1 A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person's
strength. Proverbs 17:22 Don't envy sinners, but always continue to fear
the LORD . Proverbs 23:17 Enjoy what you have rather than desiring what
you don't have. Just dreaming about nice things is meaningless; it is like chasing
the wind. Ecclesiastes 6:9 Stay away from the love of money; be satisfied
with what you have. For God has said, "I will never fail you. I will never forsake
you." Hebrews 13:5 I have learned how to get along happily whether I have
much or little. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have
learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach
or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything with the help of Christ
who gives me the strength I need. Philippians 4:11-13 True religion with
contentment is great wealth. After all, we didn't bring anything with us when
we came into the world, and we certainly cannot carry anything with us when we
die. So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content. 1 Timothy 6:6-7
See also Peace, Success, Worry.
The Book of God's Promises -- Copyright, 1999 by J.
Stephen Lang. All rights reserved, used with permission.
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