Never Satisfied

(Here is a portion of an article by Bill Brinkworth found in the latest issue of The Bible View.)

To avoid non-productive murmuring and discouraging complaining here are some biblical truths that can help you avoid the downward spiral of those sins:

1. Remember that we are naturally never satisfied. We always want more! We have to get control of what the flesh desires and let the spirit of God do the guiding. Prov. 27:20 Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied.
2. Let your thought-life and conversation never be about things you do not have or should not have. Thinking and talking about them then leads to the desire for the real things. Heb. 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
3. Realize that the world and God owe you nothing. Nothing this world has to offer is permanent anyway! Even that big house you have is only a pup-tent, because, pilgrim, you are only passing through this life. 1Tim. 6:6-7 But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
4. Be happy with what you have or what you are going through. No matter where you find yourself, be content. Php. 4:11-12 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

Anyone can complain. It takes no intelligence or character to do so, but there never is any gain in doing so. Grumbling also will never make one happy or change any situation. It will always make situations worse!. However, being content and finding peace in any situation will help you find yourself happy with what you have and will guarantee a more happy, contented person.

A man's contentment is in his mind, not in the extent of his possessions. — Spurgeon