When Contentment Seems Out of Reach

Before we kick things off today, let me ask you this: on a scale of 0 to 10, how content are you with your lot in life?

Back in the 1^st Century AD, Roman Emperor Nero had immense power, lived in incredible luxury, and was the wealthiest man alive … yet, he was never content.

He craved admiration, indulged in excess, growing increasingly paranoid. Rather than being grateful for his privilege, he squandered Rome's wealth, executing those close to him (including his mother), and blaming Christians for the Great Fire of Rome to deflect criticism. He was eventually declared a public enemy and ended up taking his own life.

He had everything and yet in the end, he had nothing. It seems inconceivable, doesn't it? And yet, how easy is it for us always to be desiring more – the next thing, the next hit, whatever it happens to be – forgetting to be grateful for all that we have?

Hebrews 13:5 Keep your lives free from the love of money. And be satisfied with what you have. God has said, "I will never leave you; I will never run away from you."

If it seems sometimes that contentment eludes you, then perhaps it's time to stop and remember what you already have. Come on, what are the things that you can be grateful for right now? In particular, has the gravity of God's promise never to leave you or forsake you filled your heart?

The truth is that contentment will always be out of reach for the ungrateful.

Keep your life free from the love of money. And be satisfied with what you have.

That's God's Word. Fresh … for you … today.