FIRST GLIMPSE: Dogging Discontent

Feeding Wrigley, our six-month-old, German Shepherd puppy, and Ginger, a six-year-old Bassett Hound, is an adventure, to say the least. Place a bowl of food before one, and the other immediately pushes in to make sure she hasn’t been left out. The puppy, in particular, runs from one dish to the other between gulps, to be sure the older dog doesn’t receive extra. Crazy animals!

Goofy as they are, I can’t help but think their mealtime behavior is a remarkable snapshot of humanity. It’s a “dog-eat-dog” world, where few people are ever satisfied, and many spend their lives craving more—snapping and snarling for their “piece of the pie.”

The danger of discontent dates to the Garden of Eden and the first human sin. Sure, the cunning serpent laid a trap by casting doubt on God and downplaying the promised judgment, but Eve’s desire—her discontent—did the rest. Commentator Matthew Henry described what followed as the downward spiral of sin—discontent, doubt, denial, and ultimately, death.

I would like to think I would have resisted, that I would have been satisfied with the fruit of all the other trees in the garden. But I am also susceptible to the discontent Eve experienced.

I drive a great-running 1996 Toyota Camry with low miles, no rust, cold air, clean upholstery, and a working radio. Yet, I find myself gazing longingly at a coworker’s sleek, new, fire engine red Dodge Charger. Discontent.

I have a meaningful job I love, with great coworkers and a comfortable office chair…and sometimes, I wish I didn’t have to wear a tie to work. Discontent.

I vacation on the Gulf Coast of Florida, and I dream of Hawaii. Discontent.

I have chicken; I want steak. I have sirloin; I want ribeye. I have ribeye; I want porterhouse. Discontent.

I had a small house; I wanted a bigger house. Now, I need to downsize.

Are these items evil? No, but the insatiable appetite for more can be deadly. Just ask Eve.

From Genesis to Revelation, the Word of God speaks clearly about contentment. It made the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20:17: “Thou shalt not covet...”

Jesus Himself weighed in: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33).

Paul wrote to the Philippians from prison: “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content” (4:11-12a). He continued in his first letter to Timothy (6:6-7): “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.”

To sum it up, Scripture teaches us to stop craving and start living.

As you read this issue of ONE Magazine, I challenge you to three simple acts of contentment. First, stop agonizing over what you do not have and, instead, delight in God’s blessings. Second, start looking at life and possessions through eyes of eternity, placing importance on things with lasting significance rather than longing for temporary pleasures. Finally, say no to something you don’t need today as a deliberate and symbolic step toward a more contented life.

Eric K. Thomsen is managing editor of ONE Magazine. Contact him at editor@nafwb.org.