The algorithms in our social media feeds and inboxes are not trying to sell us products. They’re trying to sell us discontent. If we are convinced that we are lacking, we’re more likely to buy.
This Sunday we will continue our study in Philippians. We find ourselves toward the end of the letter in the fourth chapter. We must remember that Paul is in prison and writing back to a struggling church in Philippi. Paul writes,
(Philippians 4:11-13 NIV) I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12. 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. 13. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
His contentment is not rooted in his circumstances. The center of it resides in his connection with Jesus.
Paul writes similar words in his first letter to Timothy.
(1 Timothy 6:6-8 NIV) But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.
But in this letter, he goes further. Words of warning follow. Discontentment is not neutral.
(1 Timothy 6:9 NIV) Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.
The language here is strong. Words like “temptation” and “trap” and “plunge” paint a picture of sliding down the side of a mountain, unable to control the speed or the damage. By verse 10, Paul paints a picture of people veering from the faith itself.
(1 Timothy 6:10 NIV) For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
It moves from an innocent advertisement to an unsettling of where we stand, a progression from wanting what we don’t have to an eagerness for more, for money. In the end, some find themselves in ruin, destruction, pierced with grief.
This may sound extreme. Yet many of us know of those who have traveled this road. It all starts with contentment. Holding onto the fact that we have enough. Trusting that God will provide for our needs and all that we have is a gift from His hand.
So next time you feel the pull of an advertisement or feel discontent creeping in, pause and consider what’s driving the urge. Maybe you do need to upgrade the 10-year-old phone or the outdated tie. Or maybe it is just the cultural lie that you need something more. Stop and consider your heart. Maybe even pause the decision for a few days and seek God in the matter.
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