Change from Within

Today, our big question is: Can we find contentment in relationships? How many times has this scene been repeated? A guy sees a girl he can’t live without. He thinks she will bring him happiness—and for a while, that’s how it plays out. But then one day he’s melancholy just like he used to be. Or how about the woman who believes marriage will fulfill her heart’s desires, but then over time, her husband isn’t so perfect? You see the common denominator in these two scenarios. Partners aren’t the issue. The lack of contentment comes from the person seeking it. It comes from within. They’re looking in the wrong place. Romans 12:2 says, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world. Let God transform you into a new person. By changing the way you think, then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Author Rob Kuban sums up right relationships for those seeking contentment. He says the Bible calls us to allow our convictions, not our circumstances, to govern our sense of contentment. If you aren’t willing to do the work of changing from within, your desires will largely go unmet, and honestly, you will not be attractive as a potential friend or mate. Our first assignment is to find peace with God and then seek the one He has for us. You see, choosing to be content is the first step. It’s just that so many people want shortcuts. Read Ecclesiastes sometime; it’s a leadership book, really, but it opens a window into Solomon’s mind and heart. Here we see his thoughts on what happens when a person looks in the wrong places for real happiness. Solomon was the richest man of his time, and he also had hundreds of wives. But as an old man, he was bent in body and spirit from too many years of pursuing everything but his creator. Learn from his example and fix your eyes on the ultimate relationship. People will then be able to see the contentment on your face. Let’s pray. Father God, our first priority should be a right relationship with you. Only you can bring peace to our hearts and minds long-term so that in turn, we can bless others. Thank you, Father, for making a way for us to be content. In Jesus’ name, amen. Change your shirt, and you can change the world!