God's ImitatorsSample

Everything you need A friend of mine has a dog and cat. The dog gets the privilege of living most of her life inside the coziness of the house. The cat gets the freedom to live outside, climbing trees and chasing away the squirrels whenever she wants. The problem is, often the dog sits and stares out the window, wondering why she can't be free. The cat sits at the back door, meowing pitifully, wishing she could come in. They each think the other has the better deal. Isn't it the same with us? Though we have good things going on in our own lives, we look at all the good things God has given other people. We start to think our stuff isn't as good as their stuff. The apostle Paul tells us that being content with what we have isn't something we automatically do. Instead, it is learned behavior--and we can learn it too. "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want" (Philippians 4:12 NIV). Say it with me, every day if you have to, until it sinks in: "I am content. Jesus gives me everything I need."