A
thought by James MacDonald (2015-06-18) from his book, Lord, Change My Attitude: Before It's Too Late (p. 115). Moody
Publishers. Kindle Edition. (Click
on the title of the book to go to Amazon.com to buy the book.)
Covetousness
is an attitude that God hates and contentment is the attitude that take its
place and that God loves and God blesses.
So what are some of the blessings?
I’m glad you asked.
James says,
“Blessings such as joy in the present, and health and satisfaction in the
simple things of life. Contentment brings a settled sense of sufficiency and a
peaceful pace that proves ‘more’ is not the focus of your thinking. You have
life. What a privilege to be alive in this world! Contentment brings joy in the
present.”
James gives
more, “Contentment also builds our capacity to enjoy ordinary pleasures. If
you’re content, simple stuff makes you happy. Like a nice walk. Go for a walk
today with a member of your family, and hold his or her hand. Talk about important
things. Enjoy a simple pleasure; for example, a loving conversation or a good
meal without racing to your next appointment. Simple things: a nice piece of
music savored. Cultivate your capacity to enjoy ordinary pleasures.”
He gives
still more, “Contentment also promotes true joy in eternal things. You know,
the angels have a party when one sinner is saved (see Luke 15: 10). How
phenomenal is that? They know how to have a good time! If you anticipate
picking up your Bible and can’t wait to hear God speak, that’s contentment. If
you can sit quietly rejoicing in a simple pleasure and not need to think of
what you will do next, that’s contentment.”
He then asks,
“Am I choosing contentment over covetousness moment by moment?”
Good
question. James then says, “Contentment
is a choice. When you choose contentment repeatedly, you create a lifestyle.
Don’t expect to replace covetousness with contentment in a moment. You don’t wake
up in the morning and say, ‘Wow, I think I got contentment last night. It just
happened. This is so cool—.’ No; contentment begins with a choice. And then
another choice. And then another. It happens moment by moment.”
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