"Not that I was ever in need, for I have
learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost
nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every
situation whether it is with full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For
I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength." Philippians 4:11-13
You’d think it would be easy to be content
when we have everything we need – and more. But as yesterday’s Living Lent
reflection said: “The heart of over consumption is not being satisfied with
what we have.” I was shocked at my own reaction a few months ago when a friend
bought a “new” (second hand) car. I immediately thought “Oh what a good idea I
could upgrade mine to a newer model too.” It took me a moment to see how I was
caught by the insidious desire for the “newer, brighter, upgraded version”.
With calmer reflection I “re-set my compass” and recognized that my current car
is perfectly fine and there is no legitimate reason for change. (One day there
might be, of course, and then the upgrade will be entirely appropriate.)
Being satisfied with what we have is easier
said than done in the consumer culture that bombards us with messages like:
“you deserve better”, “have it now and pay nothing till next year”, “sorry
there are no parts for that model”, “it would be cheaper to buy a new one than
have this one repaired”…
Some of this advertising lure I can easily recognize and dismiss but the reality of technological devices becoming obsolete is harder to negotiate. I use a computer and a smart phone every day for my work and for being available to connect with people. I really abhor the way companies deliberately (it seems to me) make products become obsolete after a few years so that there is not much choice about upgrading. But the word “choice” is interesting. Actually I do have choice. If I really need (or want) to upgrade I can. This requires true discernment so that whatever I choose I can be at peace with the choice. Being content (at peace) with whatever I have is challenging whether “whatever I have” is much or little.
