CONTENTMENT LEADS TO LIFE
It seems comparison has crept into every area of our lives prompted by social media and constant media ads. It can reveal a dissatisfaction and a disillusion. It can divide and destroy. Placing ourselves alongside another person, evaluating similarities or dissimilarities, can make us turn inward. Then we focus on what we lack and what causes us to be discontent.
Subtly, this comparison then becomes a motivation in our lives to be “on top.” Often the elements we compare are intelligence, personality, body, success, how we achieve, marriage, wealth. Subtly, we glory in ourselves!
However, this comparison also kills who God has made us to be – secure in Him. There are four great reactions we can daily and practically choose:
- Rely on God’s opinion – We are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:13-16).
- Realize God made us all different – God made you to be you (I Corinthians 15:10).
- Serve others consistently – Jesus was the best example (Matthew 20:28).
- Remember to choose compliments – We can view others’ strengths and weaknesses (II Corinthians 12:9-10).
Charles Swindoll says that life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react to what happens to us. Satan is the original killjoy! Running the race is not watching everything around us, or comparing ourselves with everyone around us, but the joy of seeing His face ahead. Our life circumstances do not diminish God’s character; no matter what, He never becomes less than who He is. Then every morning the look into the mirror will bring more joy and contentment than yesterday.
