There’s a danger in watching too much HGTV. The problem is, no matter how satisfied you might be at the time, after you see all the “new” things and improvements to houses, you may feel that your home needs an upgrade too. Seeing the latest and greatest can make you crave what you don’t have. Scrolling social media can also have this effect as you look at other areas of life. It can cause us to covet others’ possessions, or their situations, or their vacations, or whatever the case may be. The comparison game is not healthy and can lead to feelings of discontentment, and even discouragement. Instead of being thankful and content, we become fixated on the next “thing” that we think will bring us some measure of happiness.
But, have you ever noticed, when you get something new – maybe even something as significant as a new car, soon the “new” wears off? The charm does not last forever. I read a recent article that stated most people are dreaming of their next vacation while on vacation! Some of this craving for the next thing may be rooted in a desire for forward motion and progress, but I believe some of it is rooted in poverty of the soul and spirit. Poverty because of neglect and indifference to the inner life.
Over and over in Scripture we are reminded to “be thankful,” and to “rejoice,” even in the midst of difficult circumstances. We’re told by the experts of our day that “gratitude” is one of the attributes most associated with personal happiness. So how do we cultivate this “attitude of gratitude,” this inner garden of peace and tranquility, that will grow and thrive despite seasons of need or abundance?
Colossians 3:1&2 tells us to “…seek the things that are above,” and “…set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on the earth.” In verse 5, the apostle Paul even goes so far as to say, “Put to death therefore what is earthly in you,” naming “covetousness” as one of those earthly things which leads to idolatry. Romans 12:2 admonishes us, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.” Transformation occurs when we focus our minds on what matters.
I am reminded of the story of Mary and Martha, from Luke 10, where Mary is sitting at the feet of Jesus, taking in his teaching. We’re told Martha was busy with food preparation, and we can picture her bustling around in the kitchen, trying to make sure everything is done properly. She expresses to Jesus that she is not happy about being left to do all the serving by herself, and she wants him to tell Mary to help her. But Jesus, in a gentle rebuke, evidenced by the use of him saying her name twice, says, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken from her.” I can only imagine what the “many things” were that Martha was anxious and troubled about, probably many more than just the meal she was preparing at the moment.
Jesus tells her what she should prioritize -time with Him, sitting at his feet. This is the good portion, the thing that is eternal, the thing that lasts. Instead of “good portion,” some versions say, “the better thing.” Sitting at his feet is more important than the striving, than the meal prep, than the house being clean, than the car, the vacation, the home makeover, etc, etc.
Years ago, as a much younger woman just discovering these truths, I wrote the lyrics to a song called “The Better Thing,” as I was learning this way of sitting at his feet, of being still, of being thankful.
I’m still learning this life, but one thing I know
This is real life – this is the better thing.
That I may know you
Sit at your feet
Drink in your freedom
And breathe your perfect peace
Help me to choose the better thing
And remind me once again
That you paid the highest price
That I could know
Real Life
Michelle Dowdy
Life By The Way 