The Masters' Contentment

One of the best weekends in sports is well underway with the Masters beginning today. Golf fans love the “tradition unlike any other,” as we know we’ll witness impressive rounds, amazing shots, and surprising performances. When you look at the golfers in the field this year, you can see the depth of great players, past champions, as well as, up and coming stars. With names like Spieth, Bubba, Rory, and Rickie, we have plenty of intriguing golfers to cheer for as they chase the Green Jacket. There is one name, however, who is not in attendance this year, and that of course is Tiger Woods. But whether we admit it or not, he’s still the most captivating guy in the game, and the fact that he’s not playing, remains a key story. Even though we have Spieth and Bubba, we don’t have Tiger...and we miss him. This is also the first year without the legendary Arnold Palmer being present for the honorary tee off. Rightfully so, everyone wishes we still had him. Throw in the back injury and uncertain status of Dustin Johnson, and many stories swirling around the Masters seem to be about the golfers we don’t have instead of the ones we do have. Wanting these golfers out on the course is understandable, but the mentality of wanting what we don’t have in life can play out in detrimental ways. There are negative consequences when we spend more time worrying about what we don't have instead of being satisfied with what we do have. We may look at our bank account and think about the extra 0 that is missing from the balance...or get frustrated that our beautiful home doesn't have another bedroom...or drive a car that doesn't have as many features as the guy next door. By getting so bogged down with what’s missing, we stop appreciating the wonderful blessings that surround us each day. When we receive Jesus we have everything we need to be content, but unfortunately we lose sight of that when we allow worldly distractions to trick us into thinking that what we have isn’t enough. The Bible tells us in Hebrews 13:5 (NLT), "Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, 'I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.'” 1 Timothy 6:6-8 (ESV) further explains, "But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content." As we watch golf this weekend, will we be filled with aMasters' contentment because of the tremendous golfers we get to watch...or will we be distracted by the few that we’re missing? Today as we follow Jesus, let’s be filled with our Master's contentment. He's given us a life filled with many blessings. Let's not allow another day to go by focusing on what we don't have. I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I pray that You would fill my heart with satisfaction and contentment as I rest in the salvation that Jesus has provided. I pray I’d be thankful for what I do have in life, instead of always worrying about what I don’t have. Thank you for blessing me beyond what I deserve. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.