February 4, 2002
LifeWay Family Bible Series for Feb. 17
Lack of contentment can be Satan's toehold
___Romans 7:7-11; Philippians 4:10-19; 1 Timothy 6:6-10
___By Christine Hockin-Boyd
___Texas WMU, Dallas
___Am I content with what I have?
___The answer to that question is different as you mature both physically and spiritually. As a baby, contentment only comes when the tummy is full, diaper is dry and cuddling is in progress. As a preschooler, things begin to be seen differently. A child discovers there are options in the world. There are choices when it comes to snack time. If you don't want something, all you have to do is throw a tantrum. Well, not always, but the point is that contentment begins to be based on selfish desires.
___As a child, she is like every other child and wants everything others her age have. Whenever something is seen on the television or acquired by a friend, more than likely you'll hear the words, "Mama, can I have that?" or, "Daddy, can you buy that for me?"
___And then the teenage years hit. Some families deal with this better than others. Needless to say, growing up can have its challenges in dealing with contentment with what you have and coveting what you can't have.
___Are you feeling left out of the scenario? Then let me go further. When a person approaches adulthood, you would think life would be easier. Not so. As a matter of fact, choices and options get harder. As adults, we deal with more issues than just wanting a newer car or television, purchasing the latest design for clothes or computer equipment and researching which house to buy to achieve a higher class of living. Is this all an adult has to deal with in regard to coveting and contentment?
___I wish it were so. Unfortunately, there is more. Lack of contentment can be costly when it comes to wanting new and improved versions and trying to keep up with your neighbor or friend. Discontentment can lead to relational problems among coworkers, friends and family. Families can be split, if not destroyed. It also can lead to great debt in trying to buy happiness.
___Is there more? Sadly so, as adults struggle with other sinful issues, as mentioned in the Old Testament. "You shall not covet your neighbor's house. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor" (Exodus 20:17).
___Discontentment and coveting can lead to dangerous red zones--simply put, the danger of sexual immorality and idol worship. Just as a flashing red light warns a driver to stop and take caution, so should God's word cause us to stop and heed its teachings, principles and commandments.
___How do you know something is wrong or unlawful unless there are laws and guidelines that tell you so? The Bible is our guide. Romans 7:7-8 illustrates the issue of struggling with sin in regard to covetousness:For I would not have known what coveting really was if the law had not said, 'Do not covet'" (v. 7).
___Sin produces desires in our hearts. Those desires are either acted upon or dealt with by the assistance of the Holy Spirit. It is important to emphasize that all Christians deal with temptation and desires of the flesh. Thank goodness for the capability of calling on the Savior for help.
___In Philippians, Paul brings to light the importance of being content regardless of any circumstance. That is difficult to grasp as a child. It is definitely something to teach to our children and model before them. How can we expect them to learn and implement the understanding of contentment unless we practice being content with whatever we have at the moment--smaller house, lesser-paying job, 7-year-old car or taking a sack lunch to help save money.
___This beautiful passage reminds us to be satisfied with whatever we have at the moment. Not that we can't wish or want more, but being totally unselfish and pleased in what we have or whatever situation we are in. "I can do everything through him who gives me strength" (Philippians 4:13). How have you looked at this verse before? Was it one of endurance or survival? Or did you read and claim this verse for pure contentment?
___Last, there is the issue of money as illustrated in 1 Timothy 6:6-10. Money can cause great problems in a marriage and for individuals. It doesn't buy happiness, but for more than 2,000 years, people have tried to acquire it.
___The summary listed in the footnotes of my Bible make plain and simple Paul's guidelines to us: Realize that one day riches will all be gone (6:7, 17); be content with what you have (6:8); monitor what you are willing to do to get more money (6:9-10); love people more than money; love God's work more than money (6:11); and freely share what you have with others (6:18). Be content lest you become a slave to your desires.
___Questions for discussion
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