Romans 13.14 commands, don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires.

Contentment is a difficult virtue to maintain. It seems to last only moments before we move onto the next fantasy relationship or wished for possession that would finally make our lives complete.

If we could record our daily thoughts then replay them at night we might be surprised to find how much of those thoughts are spent wishing for someone or something else. God commands us not to live in this fantasy for many reasons.

First, our thoughts determine our actions. Certainly not all of our thoughts lead to the same action but where action is absent attitude is present. We may wish someone would ‘drop dead’ and certainly would not kill them but our disposition is anything but friendly toward these same people. The worst among us blur the lines between thought and action with the result that they commit the most heinous of crimes. Because we are ‘good,’ we simply ignore, gossip or undermine those we think ill about.

Second, God commands us to be thankful. Gratefulness is the antidote for discontent. When we are thankful for what we have and who we are with we cease searching for replacements. The more we can give thanks for our family, friends and possessions the greater will be our happiness and contentment. Those who cannot be pleased are the most ungrateful for what they have.

Finally, the people of God are not to live as though this is our home. We are aliens and strangers in this world. We have our home in that place where Jesus is King of kings and Lord of lords Whose reign never ends and death never occurs.

In this world we will have trouble but He promises peace to those who stay focused on things above and not on things that are destined to pass away.