Contentment!

Recently, I had a discussion with a friend about the teachings of opoular preachers in America. My issue with prosperity tweakers is they teach a gospel that is the opposite of Jesus, all in His name.

All you have to do is believe and keep going and you can “achieve your dreams.” Jesus taught die to self, surrender and become humble like a little child. The blessed and highly favored attitude of these churches clearly contradicts the humble teachings of our Lord (Matthew 18:2-4.)

We can’t give God control and then expect Him to do what we want. Henry Lord Beecher said, “It’s not what we take up, it’s what we give up that makes us rich.”

Jesus never promises worldly greatness or good times. During Valentines this year, I saw a post on Facebook by another friend who recently divorced and declared this is, “my year.”

She posted a picture of her dream house and how she wants it. I’ve known her for awhile and have talked with her about her first marriage, she divorced because he wouldn’t clean the house to keep her happy.

The problem with social media is people post things about what they have and they want others to see. It is a narcissist’s delight. Chances are everyone begins comparing themselves to each other and it leads to dissatisfaction, because our worth is in Jesus, not things. Comparison is the chief thief of contentment.

Contentment?

Contentment is, “A state of happiness or satisfaction.” Biblical contentment is found in God (Psalm 23:1-6,) not in what He does for us.

We are satisfied with little as with much. The apostle Paul says he learned this (Philippians 4:12-19.) Not that he can do all things, just because he belongs to God.

No, the apostle learned to endure all things by God’s grace. I highly doubt he was happy sitting in prison chained up.

Contrary to popular Christianity, Jesus never promised us everything we’ve dreamed. Consumer Christianity teaches dream it and get it.

It works like television ads; it shows you things over and over that we think we need, but if we’re honest we know we don’t. We just want more stuff and simply go through the motions of religion. We want to fit in with others in this temporary world. I like getting my money’s worth in whatever I buy. Last year, a TV I’ve had for over fifteen years died.

God provided a top-of-the-line smart TV for free. Yes, I’ve wanted one for the last few years, but I was more determined to be a good steward with what God has already given me.

God has given me everything I need and more. I could be happier with the more, but know I can be content with less, even if things aren’t okay.

Technology is changing so fast there is no way to keep up with it. This reminds me of Jesus’ parable of the rich fool (Luke 12:13-16.)

Things will never satisfy, they can’t save us and we’ll never be content with what we have if we keep dreaming about more. As long as there are false teachers encouraging believers to want more, they’ll be no rest for the weary (2 Timothy 3:1-9.) But, God’s not done with you yet.

Rest?

Christian author Andrew Murray writes, “Many Christians think of Jesus as someone who can save and help them, but they practically deny Him as Master. They think they have a right to have their own will in a thousand things.” It takes courage to find rest in God, to truly let go and trust Him completely.

Rest means different things to different people, it doesn’t necessarily mean being lazy.
• Sleep.
• WORRY-free.
• Entertainment.
• Satisfaction.
• Peace.

Each of us experience rest differently. I can experience each of these whenever I’m outside when I’m biking. This is why am excited about spring starting in a few weeks, until then I’ll get by even if the weather isn’t perfect. Because I am disconnected from other responsibilities, it’s fun, nature helps me to connect with God and that gives me a peace that satisfies.

Herein lies the deception of the prosperity, feel-good dreamology. It teaches people to find happiness, fulfillment and purpose in things—worse yet, to find love in God’s gifts, instead of God.

That was the original sin in the garden, Adam and Eve had everything they needed and lived in the presence of God. Yet, the serpent deceived them with a promise of more (Genesis 3:1-8.) There hasn’t been peace since.

However, in God’s great love for us, He has promised to show mercy and restore everything. For those who turn from their selfish desires and dreams to Jesus; they will spend eternity in the new Shalom with Him when He returns, until then find contentment.