I read something today which prompted me to write this article. It is a passage that says:
“We have brought nothing into the world, and neither can we carry anything out. So, having sustenance and covering, we shall be content with these things. However, those who are determined to be rich fall into temptation and a snare and many senseless and hurtful desires, which plunge men into destruction and ruin. For the love of money is a root of all sorts of injurious things, and by reaching out for this love some . . . Have stabbed themselves all over with many pains.”
This is a passage in the bible that warns people about the consequences of being blinded by money and other material things or possessions. It is true that people need to have money to live and get by every day, and when used wisely, it can even be a protection. In what way? We need money to buy our necessities in life such us food, clothing and house that will serve as our shelter. However, people doesn't need to live in luxuries to be able to live a happy life. We don't have to eat the most expensive foods to be full. We don't need to wear the most expensive clothing, and we don't need to fill our home with the most luxurious furniture. Furthermore, we don't need to live in the abundance of luxury, but I also don't condemn those who do and have the capacity to provide luxury for themselves and their family. My point is that, it is possible to be truly happy and contented even without the luxury. It is a matter of being contented of what we have.
However, in today's world, there are a lot of things that can cause people to be troubled and unsatisfied. Advertisements make people feel that they should have to buy new things even if we actually don't need it. There are times that media makes it look like that living a simple life is a big no. Moreover, a lot of injustice and dishonesty is rampant which makes it a challenge for some individuals to do the right thing.
But we should not allow such matters to become a disturbance to us, instead we must try to be more positive and think about up building things. Because if we don't we may be unable to find joy in the simple things.
The truth is that, even the people that posses a lot of material things and has a lot of money are not happy. Some are constantly worrying about how they could make more money thus letting the opportunities to enjoy pass by their hand. Others are worried about losing their possessions. This robs them of the chance to become contented. But a person who have a positive outlook can be very cheerful and enjoy even the small things or chances that can make him happy.
But how can a person gain the kind of contentment that will make his life as if it were a continual festival?
How is it possible to be truly contented?
Recognize that happiness is not always based on our material possessions or material prosperity. It is good to have money and material possessions but remember that it is better to have a healthy relationship with your family and have a peaceful atmosphere than having the luxurious things such as foods, clothing and furniture.
The bible says:
"Better is a dish of vegetables where there is love than a manger-fed bull and hatred along with it.”
“Better is a little with righteousness than an abundance of products without justice.”
“Better is a dry piece of bread with which there is quietness than a house full of . . . quarreling.”
When applied to daily living, it can help to have a happier, satisfied and contented family life.
Build a relationship with our creator. Not all people will agree to this since we all have different beliefs, but personally I can say that having a good relationship with God is truly one of the ways to lead a happy and contented life.
Ignoring our creator can only lead to a restlessness and struggles because those who ignores him falls into pursuing more material possessions without even being thankful of what they already have. Sometimes, they don't even care if they can already ruin other people as long as they can get what they want. And as a result, their life becomes empty and frustrating. But a person with a good relationship with God will always consider other people. And even when they experience adversities in life, he trusts that God will never abandon him and will provide for him.
As a conclusion, contentment will help us avoid the frustrations, the emptiness and pains in life that is caused by pursuit of material things. We can be able to cope with the negative circumstances, and it is possible to be able to find happiness and even make others happy.
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