| The
comic Will Rogers described advertising as "making
people want what they don't need and paying for it with
money they don't have." He understood a basic principle
of advertising: Make the person discontent, make them
feel their life would be better if they had product X.
"My life would be fine if only I had . . ."
What? A better job, a new car, more vacation time, bigger
muscles, a new hair color?
In fact,
this feeling didn't begin with the age of advertising.
It's as old as humanity. The Bible writers were familiar
with it. They were also familiar with an ageless truth:
Nothing brings contentment except living within God's
will.
A relaxed
attitude lengthens life; jealousy rots it away.
Proverbs
14:30
For the happy
heart, life is a continual feast.
Proverbs
15:15
It is better
to be poor and godly than rich and dishonest.
Proverbs
16:8
A dry crust
eaten in peace is better than a great feast with strife.
Proverbs
17:1
A cheerful
heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person's
strength.
Proverbs
17:22
Don't envy
sinners, but always continue to fear the LORD .
Proverbs
23:17
Enjoy what
you have rather than desiring what you don't have. Just
dreaming about nice things is meaningless; it is like
chasing the wind.
Ecclesiastes
6:9
Stay away
from the love of money; be satisfied with what you have.
For God has said, "I will never fail you. I will
never forsake you."
Hebrews 13:5
I have learned
how to get along happily whether I have much or little.
I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything.
I have learned the secret of living in every situation,
whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty
or little. For I can do everything with the help of
Christ who gives me the strength I need.
Philippians
4:11-13
True religion
with contentment is great wealth. After all, we didn't
bring anything with us when we came into the world,
and we certainly cannot carry anything with us when
we die. So if we have enough food and clothing, let
us be content.
1 Timothy
6:6-7
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