The Greener Grass Conspiracy

I absolutely loved Stephen Altrogge's new book, The Greener Grass Conspiracy: Finding Contentment on Your Side of the Fence.

This is a wise and funny and convicting book that I would encourage anyone to read.

Stephen exposes our chronic lack of contentment and points us to the healing balm of the gospel. This is really a book about the sufficiency of Jesus. He is more than able to satisfy us.

Stephen defines contentment as "a disposition of the heart that freely and joyfully submits to God's will, whatever that will may be." He shows how discontentment reveals the idols we worship and the ungratefulness in our hearts.

I particularly appreciated Altrogge's emphasis on the fact that contentment is not dependent on our circumstances. Since contentment is found in a Person (Jesus), we can be content in any and every circumstance of life (Phil. 4:10-13).

While reading this book, I felt at times like Stephen was speaking directly to my heart. He challenged my tendency to grumble when things don't go my way. And time and time again he applied the gospel to my soul. Get this book. You need it.

The Sin of Murmuring

Very challenged by this:

"The greater and more abundant the mercy we enjoy, the greater and the viler is the sin of murmuring."
The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment, p. 170.

How much mercy have I recieved?

Deep Thoughts on Tuesday Morning

Ponder this profound statement for a while:

"The way to be rich is not by increasing wealth, but by diminishing our desires."

The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment, p. 47.

What does this mean? What desires do you need to diminish?

You Have God!

I'm enjoying The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment by Jeremiah Burroughs. If I had to summarize its message right now, here it is:

A Christian should never lack contentment because a Christian has God (and God is infinitely more delightful and satisfying than anything we don't have).

A Rare Jewel Indeed

I've decided to take one book in addition to the Bible on my trip to Texas: The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment by Jeremiah Burroughs.

At some point during the holidays all of us are going to struggle with lack of contentment. "Wow. That's a really great deal. I could really use one of those. Would I look good in that? How come she got more gifts than me. Why didn't he get me anything? I wish I had that."

Burroughs argues from Philippians 4, "that to be well skilled in the mystery of Christian contentment is the duty, glory, and excellence of a Christian."

Are you content with what you have (Heb. 13:5)?