Week 39: Can I want something too much?

It’s natural to think about things that we want. Many of those things are good, and we work hard to have them. But focusing all of your thoughts and energy on what you want rather than what God has already given you will never make you truly happy. This week’s devotion explores the secret of being content and what God says about wanting something so much that it consumes your thoughts. Are you ready to get started?

Be ready to read the following passages:

Let’s start it.

What is something that you want and why?

Let’s learn it.

It’s fun to think about new things that we want – isn’t it? Sometimes, though, we can want something so much that it’s all we think about. You might even convince yourself that you won’t be satisfied until you have it. Check out Exodus 20:17 to see what God said to the Israelites about keeping their wants under control.

The Tenth Commandment warns about coveting, which is a strong desire to have something that someone else has. The things God told Israel not to covet covered every area of their lives, as well as ours. Coveting their neighbor’s house or wife meant wishing they lived in a different place or had a different family. Coveting someone’s servants, ox, or donkey is wanting that person’s possessions, lifestyle or job.

When you covet, you’re really saying to God, “What you’ve given to me isn’t enough.” Let’s take a look at Philippians 4:10-14 to learn what God-honoring attitude is the opposite of coveting.

Paul was content because He knew and trusted God, not because of what he had. Did you notice, though, that he “learned” to be content? That’s a lesson we all need to learn. Once Paul understood the secret to contentment – relying on God’s strength – he could help others to trust God, too. How did he encourage the Philippians in 4:19?

Ask a family member to read 1Timothy 6:6-10 to hear what Paul wrote to his friend Timothy about being content. God’s idea of contentment is quite different from ours. Our wants usually go way beyond food and clothes! But Paul didn’t just warn Timothy not to want money and things – instead, he instructed him to desire God, who would always be with him (Hebrews 13:5).

Contentment doesn’t come from what you have, where you live, where you work, or who your family is. Contentment comes from knowing that God is enough. Nothing or no one else can ever fill the empty space in your life that is meant for God. He’s the only one who can really make you satisfied and happy.

Let’s discuss it.

  1. Spend a few minutes talking about the things God has already given to you. How does knowing that God is your Provider help you to be more content?
  2. How have you recently wished that something about your life was more like someone else’s life? Discuss with your family how you can learn to be content in that area.

Let’s do it.

Have family members write 1 Timothy 6:6 on index cards or sticky notes to help each of you memorize Paul’s advice about godliness and contentment. Be aware this week of when your wants start to get out of control, and then quote that verse.

Remember, no one else has a life exactly like yours. Only you can live the life that God has allowed you to have. So instead of wanting what someone else has, look for ways you can serve and honor the Lord right where you are with exactly what He has given to you. God may very well give you the things you desire, but He often waits until we learn to be content with what we already have.