Today I was studying 1 Samuel, chapter 8. In a nutshell, the Israelites have, up until this point, been ruled by a theocracy (God is the supreme ruler). In their incredible "the grass is greener on the other side of the fence" mentality they have decided they would be better off being ruled by a king. In other words, change their governing to a monarchy (supreme power held by a single person or king). Samuel is currently their righteous, godly leader, not under his power but God's. God and Samuel know that this is a bad idea. Let me illustrate it to you with a devotional from my Bible.
We Want a King! by Elisa Morgan
When I was in sixth grade, white leather track shoes with black patent leather stripes down the sides were in. They were ugly. They were expensive. And I had to have some. Everyone had some!
I begged my mother and, while we were far from rich, she quickly forked over the money. Amazed yet delighted, I biked my way to the mall to purchase the shoes. I wore them for about three weeks and was totally "in" until Mary Ann Blackwell began to wear heels and the entire sixth grade moved on to the next fad.
Looking back, I believe my mother acted wisely in this situation, for it taught me a valuable truth. How often we long for what we think will make us happy and content! And then once we obtain it, we realize that whatever thing it is - a new van, a stroller, to be there rather than here - the thing is not the issue. There is always another thing, beckoning us to discontent.
God had Samuel explain this truth to the Israelites before he gave them a king. But they didn't listen. Rather they continued hollering, "We want a king so that we can be like all the other nations!" When God spells out the results of what we believe we want... how will we respond? (based on 1 Samuel 8)
As John Stott puts it, "Covetousness is a self-destructive passion, a craving which is never satisfied, even when what has been craved is now possessed." Or how about the words from Evelyn Underhill, "We mostly spend (our) lives conjugating three verbs: to Want, to Have, and to Do. Craving, clutching, and fussing, we are kept in perpetual unrest, forgetting that none of these verbs have any ultimate significance. Being, not wanting, having and doing, is the essence of a spiritual life." Not only that but true peace is found when we realize how to be content with the blessings that we have already been given. Peace.
The idea of contentment is very good, however, to truly understand it's value we have to live through some discontent, I believe. William Barclay puts it well, "Truth which is merely told is quick to be forgotten; truth which is discovered lasts a lifetime."
I am not completely opposed to Black Friday, because it allows us to be good stewards of our financial blessings - as long as we practice the virtue of self-control and realize, honestly, what will truly make us happy in the long-term is not another purchase. I once went out on that day and spent a nickel - I got a new blender with the fancy glass pitcher, that I really needed, for five cents. Really and truly, all the deals, coupons and rebates lined up so that all I ended up spending was that nickel (and several hours in line). I know that's pretty extreme and rare, but my finances were super tight and the opportunity (and God's blessings) worked out very well for me that day. In that silly little shopping experience, God taught me a very valuable lesson on how He blesses obedience and self-control. It still makes me smile... and I'm still using that blender!
My son made a good point in comparing the extreme contrast between being content and discontent. I love that we get to take an entire day off to celebrate the things we are thankful for, the blessings from Jehovah Jireh (God will provide). Have a blessed Thanksgiving, praise God for His goodness, and think twice before getting sucked into "I Want It!" syndrome.
"And be thankful." Colossians 3:15b
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