Ahab steals his neighbor’s vineyard! The most fascinating aspect of this story is the miserable life of Ahab. He had everything. He was king! He had lived in luxury in the incredible palace he had built for himself. But, he could not be satisfied as long there was something he couldn’t have. It’s much like the story of Adam & Eve. They had it all, but was discontent as long as they stared at something they couldn’t have.
Being forbidden the land he wanted, Ahab went into a tailspin, throwing another pity party followed by a king-sized tantrum. There was no contentment in his life! Surely, he’s one of the most miserable men to have ever lived.
Covetousness is forbidden in two of the 10 commandments. Yet, it is one of Satan’s greatest tools. Thomas Watson wrote, “When men fly out against God by discontent and impatience, it is a sign they do not believe that all things work together for good, to them that love God. Discontent is an ungrateful sin, because we have more mercies than afflictions; and it is an irrational sin, because afflictions work for good…. The devil blows the coals of passion and discontent, and then warms himself at the fire.”
As a rule, Man’s a fool
When it’s hot, He wants it cool.
And when it’s cool, He wants it hot,
Always wanting what is not.
Benjamin Franklin wrote, “Being content makes poor men rich. Being discontent makes rich men poor.”
Paul tells his young disciple Timothy, “Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment, for we brought nothing into the world, and? we cannot take anything out of the world.”
Chuck
“Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill you lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.” Colossians 3:16