Satisfaction Guaranteed?

“You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.” – Exodus 20:17

I worked for Disney for a short while back in high school and I learned something. Disney is all about customer satisfaction. In fact, they are so intent on making sure every customer has a positive experience that they have the most absurd return policy I’ve ever seen.

You can return any Disney product to any Disney store or park for any reason after any period of time and you will receive a refund. We had people bring in clothing items which were faded and had holes worn through them (obviously worn for years) who asked for a refund because they supposedly purchased the item at the park the other day and it didn’t fit.

I knew they were lying, but the policy was to accept the item with a smile, not question their claim, and give a full refund with a smile.

I Can’t Get No Satisfaction

Satisfaction is an interesting thing. It’s entirely subjective and is based on your own expectations and perceptions. I’ve known people who were satisfied with very little and others who weren’t ever satisfied. It didn’t matter how life was going or what people did for them, it was never enough.

Greener Grass

You’ve probably heard the phrase, “The grass always looks greener on the other side of the fence.” In Exodus 20:17, God is commanding us to learn to be satisfied with what we have. Paul spoke about this in Philippians 4.

“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 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. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4:11-13

When we learn to be content in any situation, we will be satisfied in every situation. When we are constantly looking to the other side of the fence wanting what our neighbor has, we will never be content or satisfied. There’s always another neighbor with even greener grass.

Contentment Comes from Gratitude

The key to contentment is gratitude. We look at what we have, realize it is a wonderful gift from God and thank Him. As we do so, we not only see His great provision for our physical needs but the incomparable, priceless gift of life He gave us on the cross. We lack for nothing and we have so much for which to be grateful.

Heavenly Father,

You are the giver of all good things. You have provided so much for my life. Thank you. Thank you especially for the grace and mercy you give me each an every day through Your Son. Help me to be satisfied with what I have and always thankful for all you have given.

Amen

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Kurt

Satisfaction Guaranteed?

Faith Lutheran Church in Wesley Chapel, FL serving Lutz, Zephyrhills, Land O’ Lakes, and New Tampa, FL