Perfect contentment

A lure to greater things exists in each one of us.

The thinking is that the “greater thing” will provide contentment, joy, and peace. The belief is that the object being sought will finally fill the hole, the gap that existed. The “greater thing” becomes the focus in life.

People will search their whole lives for contentment in four areas, never to be found.

Money, the silent killer. The thinking is that if one can make a certain amount of money, life will be good, contentment will be found. If we can just stretch and have that “forever home,” we will be there forever, life will be picturesque. But, as the journey continues, the desire for more money does not fade away. There is never enough.

Spouse, the forgotten gift. Ask any newly married couple, and they will tell you of the gift of their spouse. But, as time passes, the gift is at risk of being taken for granted. A belief ensues that a new relationship or no relationship will lead one to the freedom, the happiness that has seemingly been lost.

Job, the grass is always greener. Always. Another occupation will provide more money, the exact thing we think we need. Or, more flexibility, promising more time. Or, the perfect culture. Everyone loves everyone. Or, maybe one needs prestige, clout, a title. Another job may promise the title, then you will have arrived. But, arrive at the new gig, and we find no job will fill the insatiable hole of contentment.

Oneself, the battle between the ears. Every human has gaps. The gaps may not be exposed in public, but, when alone, every mind goes to the “greater thing.” The root of this battle is comparison to others and manifests with negative thoughts. I need to be better. I am not good enough. I am a failure. I need to be in shape. We fight our whole lives to live up to the perfect person, but this person doesn’t exist.

Contentment will not, can not be found in the “greater thing.” If the “greater thing” is accomplished, any feeling of contentment is temporary. In fact, the drive for the “greater thing” pulls us further away from the contentment we crave.

But, stewardship can put us on the path to contentment. Each area of life is a gift that, if diligently cared for, provides contentment.

With money, flip the “greater thing” thinking to a heart of gratitude and giving. Giving brings joy. If ever in a position where you can’t give, steward your finances to get there.

With your spouse, pull your eyes, thoughts, and emotions, to the one that God has given, the one that you love. The Bible says that husband and wife are one. Steward your marriage. Care for it, and the relationship will provide contentment.

With your job, understand the gift you have been given. Be the best at whatever your role is. Care for the company, as this is what provides. When one turns their mind to stewardship, work is a joy, an honorable duty, a gift to be cared for daily.

And, finally, with yourself, realize that perfection is a lie. Alone, in the quiet of a room, everyone emphasizes their gaps that begin with comparison. Remember this truth, and focus on yourself. Control what you can control. Steward your own mind and body well. Give up those things that pull you to comparisons.

Feeling overwhelmed or a failure in one or all of these areas? Join the crowd of humanity.

Try as you might, you will never be able to accomplish perfection in every one of the areas mentioned above. Perfect contentment on this earth is a mirage, never to be found. There will always be a hole of imperfection.

No doubt, all of us have failed or will fail in all or some of these areas. That is to be human.

But, there is hope for perfect contentment. This is why we celebrate Christmas. God sent Christ to fill the insatiable hole of contentment. Only Jesus has enough grace to offer to fill the cup to perfect contentment. And, this is the greatest gift, because we don’t have to earn it.

And, when we realize the greatest gift that we have been given, stewardship is a natural by-product in each area of our lives. So, start with Christ today, and stewardship in each area mentioned above will certainly follow.

Check out the Bible in a Year Goal for 2024.

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