Soul Snack 8/76 ... TV's Paradox
The desire for contentment is strong. A path I may choose is to relax in front of the TV. But, another's desire to take my contentment is even stronger.
This world is in the business of 'contentment robbing'. It actively promotes this dis-contentment. Advertising is the medium, my desires their target. Paradoxically, my pursuit of contentment by watching TV becomes my pursuit of dis-contentment as fresh desires are aroused.
The harder I work, the greater my income, and the increase of possessions have not brought me well being. The car will soon be outdated, the toothbrush worn out, or the new TV fail.
When asked how much money he needed Rockefeller once answered 'just a little bit more'.
'Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have ...' Hebs. 13:5a
Dis-contentment has me always focused on the future. It prevents me from enjoying the present.
Contentment brings joy into the present and removes the fear of the future.
Contentment can't be saved for, but it does pay great dividends. It can't be given away, or received as agift from another. It is simply chosen. It is the expression of trust in God. Contentment is chosen in the heart that believes and lives that:
.... God has said,
"Never will I leave you;
never will I forsake you." Hebs 13:5b
"Contentment - stay at home with it."