The Movement from Envy to Contentment
"Not that I am referring to being in need, for I have learned to be content with whatever I have.” Philippians 4:11 NRSV
Series: Learning Simplicity in an Age of Consumerism
Devotional: 5 of 5
Today, we will consider one final movement on our journey towards adopting a life of simplicity in a culture that has cast aside the consequences of consumerism.
The movement from envy to contentment.
The Bible again and again warns us about the consequences of envy (See Proverbs 24:1, 1 Peter 2:1, James 3:16, and Romans 1:29). Envy is the feeling of displeasure produced by witnessing or hearing of the advantage or prosperity of others. When allowed to take root in our hearts, envy (and its close relative jealousy) causes our eyes to look longingly upon our neighbors' possessions. The more we become fixated on what others have, the more we feed the string of thoughts, "I want what they have. I need what they have. And I am willing to do whatever it takes to get what they have."
Thomas A. Kempis once wrote, "whenever a person becomes obsessed with success and material things, he quickly becomes restless." Where there is restlessness, envy is not far off. When we fail to address the envy in our hearts, it has a way of blurring the lines between what is a need and a want, making it virtually impossible for our minds to determine what is truly necessary for life in Christ.
However, our lives do not have to be defined by a collection of missteps caused by a heart callused by envy and jealousy. No matter how deep the roots of envy run in our lives, transformation is possible.
So how does a heart hardened by envy begin to soften, showing signs of contentment?
In his letter to the Church at Philippi, the Apostle Paul writes this about the process of becoming content. "Not that I am referring to being in need, for I have learned to be content with whatever I have. I know what it is to have little, and I know what it is to have plenty. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being well-fed and of going hungry, of having plenty and of being in need." (See Philippians 4:11-12 NRSV)
From this text, we see that contentment is a learned virtue. Becoming content in all circumstances is a lifelong process, not the default position of our hearts. Nor is it something we can try harder to become. But God, in His infinite grace and mercy, is more than capable of transforming even the most envious of hearts.
One way that contentment begins to grow is through the regular practice of gratitude. Regardless of how difficult our current circumstances might be, every new day we are blessed with provides a multitude of opportunities to be thankful for even the most basic gifts from God. As an example, every time I go for a run, I begin with a simple prayer. "Thank you, Jesus, for the air in my lungs, the strength in my feet, and the passion in my heart."
Today, what if you and I were to embrace a heart posture of gratitude as we move throughout our day? Offering up a simple prayer of gratitude that will, in due time, grow into contentment. "Thank you Jesus for life and breath. Walk with me moment by moment as I navigate the twists and turns of life. Not my will, but Yours be done."
OnThe3rdDay Devotionals
Devotionals that illustrate Biblical principles in a simple and short format that can be applied to your everyday life.
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