New gadgets come with default settings. The sounds a mobile phone uses to notify us of calls and messages are its default settings. The font on our word processor is pre-set. Our computer’s web browser has a default search engine.
Human beings come with default settings. One of those settings – discontentment. Think about it. From the very beginning. God created Adam and Eve and put them the Garden where they had anything they could possibly want. Everything was at their disposal. There was only one thing they couldn’t have – the fruit of one tree. And what did they want? You guessed it! That fruit.
We live in a perpetual state of discontentment. We are relentlessly wanting the latest device, the most current fashions, less wrinkles, and better vacations. We change schools, move houses, switch jobs, hop churches and get divorces at a greater rate than any generation before us. All because of our default setting – discontentment.
But there is good news. If we don’t like the default ringer on our phone we can change it. If we’re not happy with the default font or web browser, we can choose a different font and a new browser. And we can reset the discontentment default, too. While it is not as easy as flipping a switch, it can be learned. Here are a few ways we can do that:
- Be Thankful
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18
No matter what circumstance we find ourselves in, there is ALWAYS something to thank God for! We should make a habit of writing down the things we are thankful for – tangible and intangible. And when we find ourselves wanting something (but knowing we don’t need it), we can take out that sheet of paper and be reminded of all that we already have.
- Rely on God
Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger abundance and need. I can do all things though him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:11-13
Perhaps Philippians 4:13 is one of the most misused verses in all the Bible. We paint it on signs to encourage our favorite team that they can win if Christ is on their side. But the verse is really saying even if our team loses they can handle the defeat with Christ’s strength. Interesting the context these words are found in – we can be content in times of plenty and times of scarcity – with God’s help.
- Be Generous
As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life. 1 Timothy 6:17-19
Giving is the antidote to materialism. Start somewhere. Give today. Move the discontentment setting closer to contentment.
Keep your life free from the love of money, and be content with what you have… Hebrews 13:15
j ryan smallwood 