Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment - Contentment by Subtraction

So this is the art of contentment: not to seek to add to our circumstances, but to subtract from our desires. Another author has said, The way to be rich is not by increasing wealth, but by diminishing our desires. Certainly that man or woman is rich, who have their desires satisfied. Now a contented man has his desires satisfied, God satisfies them, that is, all considered, he is satisfied that his circumstances are for the present the best circumstances. (pg. 47)

Our personal experiences demonstrate that having more increases our desire to obtain even more. It is an endless cycle of always grasping and never being satisfied. The Christian does not develop contentment by adding "stuff" but rather by subtracting desires and wishes.

When you boil it all down, we truly have only two rights: We have the right to die, and we have the right to go to hell. Anything more that we might have is the result of God's mercy and His grace.

As demonstrated, somewhat, in today's Dilbert, we need to be in the business of managing expectations, subtracting from our desires so as to enjoy the blessings that God gives us.