From time to time, we all find ourselves comparing ourselves with others. We compare how we look with others, how our social media compares to others, what we drive, how big of a house we have compared to others, and how much money we make compared to everyone else. But comparisons, in the end, only hurt us. It robs us of joy and gratefulness. And no matter how much we end up getting, we never end up being content. In this week’s message Pastor Taylor uses illustrations from the movie the greatest showman to show how we often end up discontent and then show us what the Bible has to say about where contentment comes from and how we can move from constant comparison and envy, to gratitude and contentment.

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MESSAGE NOTES

Philippians 4:11-13 –  Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. 12 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 a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. 13 For I can do everything through Christ,[a] who gives me strength.

 

2 Corinthians 10:12 –  Oh, don’t worry; we wouldn’t dare say that we are as wonderful as these other men who tell you how important they are! But they are only comparing themselves with each other, using themselves as the standard of measurement. How ignorant!

 

James 3:14-16 –  But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don’t cover up the truth with boasting and lying. 15 For jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. 16 For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.

 

Proverbs 15:15 –  For the despondent, every day brings trouble;
    for the happy heart, life is a continual feast.

 

Ecclesiastes 6:9 – Enjoy what you have rather than desiring what you don’t have. Just dreaming about nice things is meaningless—like chasing the wind.