Are You Content?

Sharing this from our church's FB page:

With the Mega Millions mania past and having become aware of suicides (especially among teens), I have been amazed at how we can become so focused on what we do not have that it can ruin our attitude and life. Adam and Eve were given the whole garden "freely," fellowship with God and each other, a job to do, and hope for the future...yet it was not enough! Once they became focused on the ONE forbidden tree they were willing to commit suicide over it! Did the news of the jackpot winner cause you to think of all you DON'T have? It is easy to think of what we could do with what we don't have and, as a result, do little with what we do have!

Philippians 4:11, "Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content."
This verse, written by Paul, indicates that he did not focus on what he lacked; and it freed him to serve God with what he had wherever he was. This is a lesson we all need to remember when tempted to feel "poor me!" The song writer had it right, telling us to "count our blessings." We know the source of Adam and Eve's discontentment: It was the whisper of Satan and the suggestion that the Lord was in some way selfish and wished to deny them some good. The Devil caused them to question God's motives. Such thoughts must be rejected and what we have in the way of things and opportunities should be cause for thanks and praise to the Lord Jesus Christ and used for His glory.
Have you counted your blessings? Are you focused on what you do have?