Living Content in a World that Screams More

I’ve had my eye on a polka dot mixing bowl for a few weeks now, along with a few other kitchen accessories from the Pioneer Woman’s collection. I sent John pictures of the gadgets since he’s in need of birthday ideas.

As I thought about the cute mixing bowl – in my favorite red and turquoise combination – I started wishing I had a cute piece of furniture to display a cute polka dot bowl. It would be a shame for it to sit in a dark cabinet.

I went into the kitchen and wondered where I could move the desk that currently sits against the wall. I searched Target for a cute display cabinet.

One little polka dot bowl sent me spiraling into discontent.

And it’s an easy thing to do when you live in a world that constantly screams more!

My husband bought me some facial products for Christmas and now I apparently need to spend another $100 bucks if I want to get the maximum results.

I love taking photos, but they’d sure turn out better if I could upgrade to a better lens.

I’d like to shed 10 pounds and it can be a reality if I fork over a few hundred dollars for the latest workout system.

My Facebook feed is bombarded with offers for shinier skin, a skinnier body and a satisfied life.

But I wonder if what God really wants is for me to stop listening to all those voices and be content with the skin I’m.

The body, even with the extra pounds, and the eyes framed by laugh lines.

I’m not saying neglect self-care.

But maybe instead of constantly striving, we could embrace who we are today.

God loves her just as much as He loves the woman she’s working to be.  

I think God wants me to stand in my kitchen and be thankful that it’s full of food, even though it might be void of a polka dot bowl and display cabinet.

Instead of constantly wanting, what if we’re intentionally grateful for what God’s already given us.

What if we learn to live content in a world that screams more?

Philippians 4:11-13 says: Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

What if we pursued the things of God with as much intensity as we pursue the things of this world? 

1 Timothy 6:6-12 says: But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.