In my reading through Proverbs today I read this verse: “Better is a little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and trouble with it.” (15:16)
It is easy to get envious. In his book 46 Stones, Randall Arthur talks about a bedroom lifestyle. Not a life of sex but a one-dimensional life-a life characterized by pleasure, ease, freedom, unaccountability, and selfishness-characteristics associated with the bedroom. (p.40)
It is not uncommon for me to talk to people-at the Y, in my office, in a conversation-who want a life of pure selfishness. I see (mostly) guys who seem to spend as much time staring at themselves in the mirrors from different angles to admire as they do lifting weights. But there is also a comparison game going on. We are, or seem to be, never satisfied. The grass is greener on the other side of the fence. But I’ve noticed that “greener life” is just an illusion. I’ve noticed in myself that enough is not enough. I gotta have more. Like the adrenaline junkie, I pursue m-o-r-e. I pursue the next high. If I forget who I am and to WHOM I belong, my life could be one of pure selfishness. Envious of others. Desiring more so I can be “comfortable.” It is then I need to remember Pr.15:16. The grass is not greener. In fact, forbidden grass becomes a field of weeds trapping me/anyone who dares reach and imbibe.
“Father, help me to be content. Help me not to seek the mirage of ease and the bedroom lifestyle which will only disappear. Help me to find my pleasure and contentment in You.”
Bill, the lifestyle you describe does have an appeal… it does speak to me. A life of ease… freedom… pleasure… I can’t deny that it looks good.
On the outside… The problem is that it is not sustaining. It may “feel good” for the short term, but in the end, it will leave me wanting more. It will leave me unfulfilled.
I was not created to serve me… I was created for a different purpose. I can only worship myself for a short time until I realize I am really not worthy of it.
You are right Ryan. It does have an appeal. But it is temporary at best. Hollow as well. I must agree with you on the “feel good” aspect of it also.
Praying we can all be content with what God has blessed us with, knowing nothing but Him can truly satisfy.
Blessings, Bill!
Contentment sure isn’t easy to come by Martha but if we can come to that it sure would be worth it.
The more I look at my personal belongings, the more I see things that I only see… if that makes sense?
It is so easy to fall into the trap of this fallen flesh. Like you I see those people in the gym that remind me of parakeets. They can’t find a mirror that they don’t love.
I started wearing long sleeves in the gym and out of it about 20 years ago. Specifically to get away from that trap of self.
I pray your prayer.