BiblicalInsights.net

     Professor Sheena Lyengar has a new book called The Art of Choosing.  Readers Digest ran an article recently (April, 2010) titled, Make Up Your Mind, which gave several good ideas on decision making.  One of those ideas came from Professor Lyengar who has coined a new word, “satisficing.”  “Satisficing is being satisfied with what’s sufficient.”  Let’s say you’re buying toothpaste.  There are literally dozens of options and it’s easy to get overwhelmed.  Just pick one.  It doesn’t have to be the best.  It just needs to be good enough. 
     The concept is a valid one.  The idea expresses what is involved in contentment.  Here are some passages of Scripture that point out the value and need for contentment.  “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Heb. 13:5).  Covetousness is the desire for more and more.  The insatiable appetite for things can destroy one’s life.  The opposite of covetousness is contentment.  The word contentment means “to be satisfied.”  The basic meaning of the word relates to being satisfied with what one already has.  Sounds familiar to professor Lyengar’s new term.  When we are content, we can say “it is enough.”  I am satisfied with what is sufficient to meet my needs. 
     Paul writes, “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content” (Phil. 4:11).  Paul knew how to satisfied with the Lord’s provisions for his life.  After stating these words, he makes the marvelous declaration of Christian optimism, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”  Paul completely relied upon the Lord to take care of him. 
     Please consider one more passage from the pen of Paul.  “But godliness with contentment is great gain.  For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.  And  having food and raiment let us be therewith content” (I Tim. 6:6-8).  Paul follows these thoughts with a stern warning against trusting in riches.  Misplaced trust produces untold misery!  “But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition” (I Tim. 6:9).  
     We have discovered a great formula for true blessedness.  Godliness with contentment is great gain.  Your broker won’t tell you that, but God is more interested in your soul than your bank account.