Ain’t Got No Satisfaction?

[Alabaster]

1 John 2:15-17 NLT
Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.



Yes!

The pursuit of the pleasures and comforts of this world fills us with momentary thrills, but at the expense of pleasing God, it falls short in satisfaction. The world offers what the natural man thinks is worth having: possessions, financial wealth, luxury, accomplishments, carnal relationships, et cetera! However, the accumulation of these things weighs heavy upon us, and the gratification we experience is fleeting. So many people who seem to have everything appear discontent and miserable, don’t they? Their smiles are facades, and their joys are flesh-driven. Their pride is in self.

Weighed down by the cares and concerns of grasping and holding tightly to things for fear of losing them, we soon discover how very empty we are! And heavy—weighted down, and sinking fast…until the Light of the world comes and relieves us of such carnal cares!

Jesus the Christ puts everything in perspective. He takes us by the hand and shows us where we are headed without Him and then lovingly shows us where we could be with Him! His truth wins out! I know that with Jesus, I am satisfied to the core with all I have, because it is from His hand. I am content to wait for His best, and I am fulfilled to be living in His will. For this world is indeed passing away—polluted and spent---but I have an eternal home in Heaven with my Saviour, the lover of my soul!

Psalm 34:8
Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!

Jesus is my joy!

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NEW
11/11/07

 

[Mike]

Weighed down by the cares and concerns of grasping and holding tightly to things for fear of losing them, we soon discover how very empty we are! And heavy—weighted down, and sinking fast…until the Light of the world comes and relieves us of such carnal cares!

This is what stood out to me in your post. I've been pretty consistent in saying there is nothing wrong with experiencing happiness with the blessings we are given in this world, but it comes down to our attitudes. Being wealthy doesn't make someone unrighteous necessarily just as living in poverty doesn't necessarily make someone righteous. I draw on Paul's attitude.

Phil 4
"for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-29455">12</sup> I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. 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."

Being content with what we have is the attitude I believe He's looking for and will bring about a sense of peace in us. Whether one is poor or wealthy, has nothing or a lot, if they are focused on what they don't have, this is not living with a thankful heart. Ultimately, I agree, our ambitions should be set on spiritual wealth and things of His Kingdom. There, we will find much joy. :yes

Personally, this is where I constantly have to lean on the Lord to keep me with the attitude that Paul had. It's not always easy for me, and I have the most admiration for Christians grounded to the point that they don't look at their neighbor's car, house, job, and other temporal pleasures.