4 Signs of Discontent

Do you see yourself in any of these places?  I can tell you I struggle with #4 pretty regularly.  How about you?

Four Signs of Discontentment:

1. Attempting to "get rich quick."
   You may not fall for the obvious get-rich-quick schemes, but you do find yourself rushing through life, working to get all you think you need. Having it all eventually isn't enough though. You need it now! You're constantly on the move, searching for bigger and better and jumping at new jobs or opportunities without thinking things through. To what end are you headed?
   
2. Trying to appear wealthy.
   Hey, most of us go through a phase as a young adult where we care more aboutlooking the part than being the part. But maybe, even though you're old enough to know better, you have trouble facing the real you. It's easier to fake it. You buy what you can't afford in hopes of feeling better. Does going into debt really do that for you?
   
3. Feeling anxiety about what you don't have. 
   Your status concerns are so overwhelming that they almost paralyze you. It's hard to make smart money choices because anxiety rules your mind. With a lack of action, your situation doesn't get better and fear gets worse. Contentment and anxiety refuse to live in the same house together. Why are you allowing anxiety to stick around?
   
4. Allowing jealousy and envy to creep into your mindset.
   We're human. Wanting what someone else has is normal on occasion. But this is something more. You see the peachy keen family with the white picket fence and shiny new car and you can't help but feel that twinge of jealousy. "Why not me?" you ask. The grass sure does look greener on their side of the street. But how do you know what another person's life is like behind closed doors?
   

Philippians 4:12–13 says, "I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all things through him who gives me strength." 

The truth is, the grass is not greener on the other side.  The grass is greener where you water it.

Reposted from Dave Ramsey's Pastor's Resource Newsletter - March 2013