Models Now Open!
MODELS NOW OPEN!
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I found this online advertisement for a new home development which is located only minutes from my current home. I read these attractive promises and wanted to immediately jump in the car. Professionally decorated and furnished, these homes are posh. In my minds eye I could visualize myself surrounded by the beautiful décor and built in shelving (not included) translation – expensive.
The town I live in is relatively young. New homes are still under construction at a strong pace despite the economic slow down in housing sales. Within 10 minuets of my home there are at least 15 different developments with three of four model homes each. Let’s see; 15 X 3.5 = 53 homes (rounding). That’s a lot of homes to visit.
Most people women love to walk through model homes. I was one of them. The marble counter tops spoke to me. Wood flooring cried out my name. I specifically remember walking through a model home with a Turret Entry and a Wine Cellar in the basement. Now, that was cool.
I arrived home from this particular model home tour, determined to sell my home and move. A few days later my rational mind returned and I thought, I alread own a perfectly beautiful home. I mean it. My home is beautiful and much more than I need or deserve.
I was busted. The Lord laid into my heart heavily. I was sinning. Comparison and coveting is a great sin in my life. When I take a model home tour I completely forget the rich blessings I ALREADY HAVE.
I have not visited a model home since.
The Lord showed me how easily I fall victim to the sin of comparison. It’s not just my home but other things as well. My clothing, my front yard, my friendships…. and *gulp* my husband. Putting my unbelieving husband up against another man is a terrible sin and I am in all kinds of trouble.
Today, I stay clear of model homes and of every other sort of comparisons. God gave me so much and I will rejoice in His abundance. The words, thou shalt not covet, are meant for our happiness not our restriction.
I have discovered authentic contentment. A rare a precious treasure indeed.
I pray you also live in this peaceful place.
1 Timothy 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.
1 Timothy 6:8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.
Hebrews 13:5 Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”
Lord God, thank you, You do not leave us unchanged. You continue to refine us and show us where we sin. You care so much about us; you will not let us remain in those sins. There is much more You long to give us. Lord, keep us from comparisons. Let us recognize this sin immediately when it creeps into our hearts. Lead us on the path, everlasting. In Jesus powerful name, Amen.
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Great post…very true!
Oh Lynn I struggled with this last year when we had our house for sale, I don’t even look now. I need to be content in all circumstances, no matter where I am. Thank you.
Awesome post, Lynn, and so true! I’m guilty of the same. Thank you for helping me to see it in this light. 🙂 Hugs!
I think we struggle with this more than we realize, if the truth be told. Thanks for the reminder! Love ya!
GREAT post, Lynn!! Soooo true!
You DID it, girl! 😉
Patricia
Lynn, funny that you would write on this today. I have been reading a book called “Finding Contentment” by Christian psychologist Neil Clark Warren. He says that the only way to enduring contentment is by living authentically, out of our own value system. I’ve been working on this myself and have been coaching others to do the same. Great timing!
This is so me!!! Are you sure we aren’t twins somehow? I used the “decorating idea” as an excuse to go but everytime I went I became discontent with what I have….This was so what I needed to read today. Thank you!
Such a powerful post my friend, bless you.
Phenomenal post Lynn!!!I felt like I was reading about me, especially the model homes-I just love going through but then find discontent in my heart. Thank you for speaking the truth, always!!!
Love you girl.
Noreen
eek! I’ve done this before too! God spoke to me about the importance of being content.
You reminded me to stay grounded as we start looking for a new home. We may actually buy a model home. But you’re right, once you see a model home, it’s hard to appreciate anything less… and I want to stay humble to recognize THE home God has for us.
Love you girl!
Vanessa
Awesome, powerful post Lynn. Some days I still struggle with contentment in some areas but I’m thankful that He’s still working on me.
🙂
Oh, how this post has spoken to my sinful heart. I’m soaking up the strength of your words, of God’s truths. . . . of my own ingratitude and discontent — and praying for a clean heart.
Thank you.
This rings so true for me Lynn. I find the same thing happening when I go shopping. I am perfectly content with what I have until I walk into a store and see all the new things I suddenly think I just need to have! If I can resist the temptation to buy things I don’t really need I find great contentment when I arrive home!