With Thanksgiving now less than a week away, I think it’s an appropriate time for a confession: I have a worldview of want.
By worldview I mean my perspective. The way I interpret the world around me and make sense of things. What God has exposed recently, is that my focus is on what’s missing, rather than what’s there.
“I don’t have enough time.”
“I need more money.”
“Once I feel better, I’ll be able to do _____”
This attitude of focusing on what is lacking only leads to discontentment. Which leads to bitterness and cynicism.
Repentance
As God has exposed my discontentment, he’s also reminded me that he is my Father, and giver of every good and perfect gift (James 1:17). Contrition and confession have given way to joy and thankfulness as God has focused my eyes on the amazing gifts in front of me, rather than what is lacking.
I have an amazing wife and family. I’m surrounded by a wonderful church family, and a job where I get the privilege of walking with students who are receiving biblical training to make an impact all around the world. And even if some of these things were taken from me, I have life in Christ.
So, at risk of sounding incredibly cliché, I encourage you to focus on what you have and not on what you are lacking. Let contentment and thankfulness resonate through all aspects of your life, even beyond the holiday season.
“I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” Phil 4:11-13.
Spencer serves as President at Eternity Bible College. Click here to learn more about how Eternity is training students for impact all around the world.