#Struggles “Contentment”
If we are honest with ourselves everything can be going our way…and then that one post hits, that one text, that one wedding invitation! And we are left asking how do they get that and I don’t? If we are completely honest social media hasn’t helped that but actually taken keeping up with the Jones’ from just our next door neighbor…to our friends in a different state (or even country). Eventually we all get to a place where the lie doesn’t work, we continue to compare what we have with those who have “more” and we tie our self worth into the things we have. So how do we break this? How do we get past the struggle of contentment?
- CELEBRATE OTHERS BLESSINGS (Genesis 4:1-7)
- Here we see the story of Caine and Abel! Both are bringing offerings to God. Both have laid them at His feet! Yet, one is accepted and the other isn’t…there has been much debate over the years as to why God accepted one over the other! But, when we only focus on that one thing we miss the real issue here—comparison! Regardless of the reasoning behind one offering being accepted over the other (Abel’s offering is a foreshadowing of Jesus sacrifice for our sins) what we see is the comparison trap of Cain vs Abel instead of the obedience to do as God said! God promised Cain’s acceptance if he turns from sin…the promise He still gives us all today! What would have happened if Cain celebrated Abel’s blessing instead of despising it?
- Many times today we get stuck in comparison of other’s having “more blessing”, “more favor” than ourselves instead of just listening to Jesus and doing what He says! We save ourselves a lot of hurt, stress and sleepless nights when we focus on the obedience Christ has for us instead of trying to justify why we deserve what others have. This is the trap the enemy will use to drown us in our struggle instead of stepping into our calling!
- SOW GRATTITUDE (Genesis 4:8-15)
- The story ends with the typical “haves vs. have nots” ending we all live today! Cain brings Abel to a secluded place and kills him! And why? Because he couldn’t get past the comparison with Abel instead of just doing what God called him too!
- When we look at our lives, we can often feel like Cain…wishing the worst on those who are more blessed than we are. Yet, if we were to be grateful to have what we have how much different is that perspective for each of us (most of the time we get here when tragedy strikes)?
It’s very hard, if not impossible, to have a heart of gratitude and a heart of comparison. When we fight to celebrate the blessings of others and sow gratitude it blows our heart of comparison away. In a world fighting more than ever to “one up” we have to keep our hearts in check more than ever! When you see others around you thriving take a moment and Celebrate their blessing & be thankful for what you have…you’ll be surprised the at the freedom you will have in that!
Take Away:
What are some differences between comparing yourself to God’s standard and comparing yourself to the world’s standard?
How will you sow gratitude through Christ’s strength this week? Specifically what do you commit to do?
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Tyler West 