Read 1 Timothy 6:6

 Contentment is something we must learn. It isn't a trait we're born with.

But the question is how?

In 1 Timothy 6 we find a couple of very practical answers to that question:

A current perspective on eternity: "For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either" (v. 7).

A simple acceptance of essentials: "If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content" (v. 8).

Both attitudes work beautifully.... But society's plan of attack is to create dissatisfaction, to convince us that we must be in a constant pursuit for something "out there" that is sure to bring us happiness.... It says that contentment is impossible without striving for more.

God's Word offers the exact opposite advice: Contentment is possible when we stop striving for more.

Contentment never comes from externals. Never!

Excerpted from Charles R. Swindoll, Wisdom for the Way (Nashville: J. Countryman, a division of Thomas Nelson, Inc., 2001). Copyright © 2001 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.