We have all heard the infomercial enticement.  "All this for only $19.95 (or some unrealistic amount), followed by the appeal.  But wait . . . there's more.  If you call today," etc.   Then they make a deal you almost can't refuse.  The appeal seems to be such a good deal that we are tempted to buy even if we don't need what is being offered.
 
We are easily enticed and misled, and if you don't believe me, look at the pretty models they use to sell cars, or the convincing actors who miraculously get better after swallowing a few pills.  And the sales go up. 
 
We pray in the Lord's Prayer, "Give us this day our daily bread," but we aren't satisfied unless it comes with a complete meal.  
 
What is the difference between what we WANT and what we NEED?
 
One of the temptations we have comes from comparing ourselves with others.  I have heard people tell about their childhood and say that they were probably poor, but they didn't know it because everyone around them was in the same situation. 
 
It is difficult to stay content with the simple and basic things of life when all around us people are enjoying the excesses of our culture.   How can we curb our appetite for possessions and wealth?  How can we stay content with the blessings that we have received without feeling envious of what others may have?
 
Are we grateful and thankful for our blessings and opportunities, or does the success of another fill us with envy?
 
Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income.   Ecclesiastes 5:10
 
We can see the concern that the Apostle Paul had for the people in Corinth, concern that they stay centered on Christ alone.  Let's read what he says in 2 Corinthians 11:2-3.
 
"I am anxious for you with the deep concern of God himself - anxious that your love should be for Christ alone, just as a pure maiden saves her love for one man only, for the one who will be her husband.  But I am frightened, fearing that in some way you will be led away from your pure and simple devotion to our Lord, just as Eve was deceived by Satan in the Garden of Eden."  (from The Living Bible)
 
Beware of the appetite for MORE.  May we be content with what we have knowing that God has said that He will never leave us or forsake us. (Hebrews 13:5)
 
Learning to be Content in Christ,