Some people go for the big toys, the big dream, the big success, the over-the-top purchases and lavish lifestyles. Shooting high is not inherently bad. In fact, there is something good about goals for which to strive. Paraphasing John Wesley, we should earn all we can, save all we can and give all we can. The front side of this (earning more) makes sense if we are going to do the back side (save and give more). Potential problems are great with simply acquiring more without health or purpose behind it.
Making and acquiring more are poor destination points. Many people who have reached those summits have reported to me that accumulation and extravagance alone don’t make success feel very successful. In fact, I spoke with one man who said, "I shot high, with grand goals and passed many of the simpler and more enjoyable points along the way." This shouldn’t surprise us. Anyone who has tried to purchase their joy has found it impossible- a fleeting joy at best. We have heard that money can’t buy happiness and that the American Dream is not necessarily a Christian dream.
The best way to live one’s material life is to enjoy what you have, while you have it. It is not about pursuing more. It is about gratitude for what I presently hold in my hands. The journey is important- very important; and, if Christ is true, will lead to a predictable destination.
I want to make an unexpected turn at this point. I want to draw a comparison between the material and the spiritual. I have watched and listened to spiritual conversations of Christians for more than 35 years now. In a parallel way, it seems some people are shooting for a spiritual high and missing something special along the road. It is reasonable for all Christians to seek more of God, to seek a deeper life and a better relationship. It is understandable and common. As I listen to folks talk, many people are going for the big spiritual prize- preoccupied with the prize as a culmination of their spiritual walk or sign of their spiritual maturity or legitimacy. In these places, it is about the pursuit of the big miracle, the lofty prophecy unveiling the future, the quest for the euphoric and ecstatic vision, an insatiable longing for a glimpse of heaven, and yearning for a prayer experience where one feels indescribable intimacy. Again, I have no problem with any of this. Remember, earn all you can, save all you can and give all you can. I think the spiritual parallel is there. The attempt to gain more is good if we do something good with it. AND, if we can enjoy the journey, not dismissing the present spiritual journey.
There is an insidious problem with seeking spiritual highs. What do we do with life along the way? Do we sideline the small words and small thrills of finding Christ in our daily lives? There is something to be said for contentment along the way. There is something to be said for the person who finds deep satisfaction in the daily presence of the Spirit; who finds comforting joy in simple truths of Scripture; who feels thorough satisfaction in developing the relationships with those with whom we are already familiar; who is content in the forgiveness already found and presently enjoyed in Christ; who have memories that bring light to the present crisis.
Paul said much about the value of contentment along the way- on the journey. In 1 Timothy 6:6-8 he said that there is wealth in contentment. He reminded us that there is value to appreciating and living in thorough satisfaction with basic provisions, allowing Christ to bring an unartificial and unaided joy. In Philippians 4:11-13, Paul said it is wonderful when we have contentment with nothing and with everything just the same. In other words, having little does not bring discouragement; having much does not create pride or distraction. Simple contentment makes one able to do whatever and do it without regret (Phil. 4:13).
Don’t confuse contentment with lethargy or laziness. It does not mean an unwillingness to move ahead. But, it does mean a commitment to find joy in the present and in what God has already given. It means that I don’t have to have more to have joy. We should continue to seek everything we can from God. But, I am one who refuses to allow seeking more to drown out the present contentment with what I already have. Contentment, to me, is most evident through a quiet and persistent smile. I have found myself, frequently crying alone, with Marlene or Mitch over our present crisis. But, everyday, I am finding the quiet and persistent smile of contentment without intending to deceive others or betray my grief. It is not manufactured. It is just the habit of trust that spills over into the present crisis. It is just the deep thrill of a satisfying conversation with family. It is the peaceful presence of Christ in the midst of the storm. Let the smile of contentment show.
When we received some of the most difficult news we had received to date, we were in our son’s room crying and pleading with God for more than 2 hours. It was an emotional time that culminated in some of the sweetest words of affection between family members. Mingled in were some hopeful dreams about what life could be like if God would suddenly change the trajectory of the illness. Mitch, tired from medication and emotion fell asleep. I slipped out of the room to leave the hospital on a brief prayer walk. On the elevator, I found myself with two strangers. One saw an apparent smile on my face and said, "You look content, like you’re having a great day." It took me by surprise as I said, "there is good in every day." Smile at what he’s done and doing on the way to what he will do.