When my wife was a young girl, Carlyle Marney was her family’s neighbour, pastor and friend. One of his off-hand remarks about being content became one of her family’s enduring expressions: “Dr. Marney says, ‘We just need to get our ‘wanter’ fixed.’”

It’s so easy to want more than we need and to become more focused on getting than on giving. Soon our desires dictate our choices.

When the apostle Paul wrote to the followers of Jesus in the city of Philippi, he told them, “I have learnt in whatever state I am, to be content . . . . I have learnt both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need” (Phil. 4:11-12). Paul was saying, in effect, “I’ve had my ‘wanter’ fixed.” It’s important to note that Paul was not born with contentment. He learnt it in the difficult circumstances of everyday life.

During this time of the year, when shopping and buying often take centre stage in so many countries and cultures, why don’t we decide to focus on being satisfied in our present circumstances? It may sound difficult, but Paul, when talking about learning to be content said, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (v.13).

Contentment begins with having fewer wants.

Author

David C. McCasland

Topics

Our Daily Bread