No matter where you live or what stage of life you’re in, we all have to make a daily (and sometimes moment-to-moment) choice about our attitudes. Yes, as difficult as it is to believe and admit, we can—and do—choose our attitudes. We put them on just as we would a warm coat or a pair of socks. Sometimes we do it without even thinking, but we do it just the same.

Typically, it comes down to choosing one of these three traits: comparing, complaining, or contentment. Let’s look at these three in a little more detail.

Comparing. This sneaky little thing has ruined more lives and relationships than I can count. It happens when we look at what we have and compare it with what others have. Clothes. Cars. Houses. Looks. Talents. Spouses. The list goes on and on. Comparison breeds envy and complete discontentment for all the blessings God has given us.  

The tricky part about comparing ourselves with others is that we often only see one side of the coin. Take Wales, for example. People worldwide ooh and ahh over the Welsh landscape and how the grass stays green all year long. I get it. It’s beautiful. There’s no doubt about that. But what they’re not considering is that it rains 270 days a year in Wales, and that’s what keeps the grass green. Typically, for every pro, there is a con. For every accomplishment, there is a sacrifice. So, we would do well not to judge others’ lives based on a single image or moment in time.

Next on our list is complaining. Is it just me, or do complaints seem to have a mind of their own? Before I’m even aware of them, they’re out of my mouth. Ugly. Rude. Ungrateful. In general, something didn’t go the way I wanted or the way I think it should have, so instead of accepting it and moving on, I make sure everyone around me is as miserable as I am. Lovely, huh? When was the last time complaints solved a problem? When was the last time complaining made anyone feel better? It has no purpose. It offers no peace or aid. It only sours our attitude and that of everyone around us. Not to mention, it’s a horrible example for someone who is trying to convince others to become more like Jesus. Ouch!

And then, there’s contentment. Unlike the other two, this one doesn’t come naturally or easily. Even the apostle Paul stated that he learned to be content (Philippians 4:11). It doesn’t just happen. It takes practice. It requires work and a mindful attitude.  

Some liken contentment to living in a state of Pollyanna-like denial. “Everything is great. Everything is wonderful. Things couldn’t be any better. Let’s all sing a song!” That’s not realistic. Contentment doesn’t involve lying to ourselves or pretending things are better than they are. It’s about accepting things as they are, whether we like it or not.

Contentment occurs when we decide we’re not going to compare our situation to anyone else’s, nor are we going to complain about it. We take the matter to the Lord and leave it there, trusting that He is in control of all things, including our situation. We may not understand or agree with what’s going on, but we trust in the goodness of God and believe that if He’s allowing it, it must be for our good. We accept that God has a plan and move on with our life the best way we know how as God guides us. That, my friend, is contentment, and that should become our default setting.

So, how’s your attitude today?  Are you comparing, complaining, or content?

“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.”

— I Timothy 6:6-8