I've spent too many hours of my life wishing my life was like someone else's life. "If onlys" drain energy, create inner tension, and rob perspective in the present.
- If only I was a better teacher.
- If only I had managed my money differently.
- If only I looked younger.
- If only I had the mind he has.
Jesus says - the Kingdom is about meekness. It's about what Paul refers to as "sober judgment" about one's self (Romans 12.3). The kingdom doesn't belong to the proud, the arrogant, the "if onlys."
Of course, meekness (and other Spirit-Kingdom traits) develops into a restful flow in our lives (Matthew 11.28-30) when our focus isn't on other people and all their "haves". This rest doesn't even come because I try harder to not focus on my "have nots." It comes when I focus on Jesus. When I celebrate him. When I see his kingdom traits - of meekness, goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, affection, and love... then my focus is facing forward, upward. My focus on him pulls me away from my pitiful comparisons to other people. Then, and only then, do I discover the joy of experiencing the kingdom.
That's ultimate contentment.
(also posted at YouVersion.com - here)
