Can "good" ever be good enough?
Do you realize that our entire culture is geared to make us feel dissatisfied? We constantly are being told we need something to truly be happy. I remember sitting in Dr. Planchon’s marketing class in college and learning the truth behind all of the commercials. The goal of anyone with a product or idea to sell is to create a PERCEIVED NEED in us. A true need is unnecessary; their goal is simply to make you FEEL like you need something. Reality is irrelevant.As women who are created to find contentment through Christ, we must wise up and understand the motive behind the message. We must be savvy enough not to take the bait the next time we think we “have to have that outfit” or “deserve to go on that vacation.” Places and things will never fill the void that we often are trying to fill when we start spending our money.But let’s take it a step further. Do you realize that our battle with contentment is not limited to materialism? Think about the different aspects of your life. Physically, do you ever look in the mirror and say, “Wow! I look great.”? I do not know many women, regardless of their size, that are content with their body. Relationally, when is the last time you looked at those closest to you and thought (or even said), “I love you just the way you are. I would not change a thing!”? Financially, when was the last time you felt like you had enough? Sadly, even when we get a raise, we have usually spent it before it ever arrives and are wishing it was just a little bit more. Proverbs 30:8-9 says,
It is hard for us to consider that we deny the Lord or steal, but our actions communicate this more often than we realize. When we are gaining things, it is easy to take the credit. We tell ourselves that, “we work hard” or “we deserve it.” While none of us have robbed a bank, when the slightest squeeze comes we can be tempted to stop tithing… if we ever started.Today, I challenge you to choose to be satisfied with things exactly the way they are. Be grateful for what you have. Be grateful for who you are. Say it out loud. Pray it out loud. You’ll be surprised how odd it feels and, if you are like me, convicted that you have believed the lies of the enemy and the marketers that good is never good enough. If you try it today, I would love to hear your thoughts!