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I bought a new car five months ago. It may be my favorite car ever. Leather seats, plenty of legroom—it drives well and looks sharp. It's loaded with gadgets I'm still discovering: memory seats, adaptive cruise control, a side mirror alert for blind spots, rear and overhead cameras, a rear window wiper, and an Intellibeam system that dims the headlights automatically.
There's also a lane assist feature that gently nudges me back when I drift, plus seat warmers, a heated steering wheel, climate control, Apple CarPlay, and even a screen alert if someone's approaching from the rear. And get this—if I'm closing in on the car ahead too quickly, my seat gives a vibrating pulse to alert me. It's like getting a brief back massage with a warning. What an incredible car!
I was perfectly happy with my car—until last week. We went out to eat with some friends who drove us in their new car. My wife and I sat in the back and were surprised by how easy it was for us four seniors to carry on a conversation. We could hear every word without straining. They explained their car had a built-in speaker system that enhanced the sound between the front and back seats—making the conversation easy and pleasant.
That got my attention—because the week before, we'd taken a six-hour trip with friends, and those in the back of my car had to lean forward and practically shout to be heard. My new car has wheels with sporty tires that ride a little loud, and it doesn't have that handy speaker system to improve interior sound.
So now, I'm kind of annoyed my car doesn't have that feature—a feature that should clearly be standard for retired preachers over the age of 80. I'm not sure my car even smells new anymore. It might smell like regret.
The Apostle Paul wrote, "I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want." Not many discover the secret of contentment—but most of us know all too well the source of our discontent: unfair comparisons.
Jesus told a parable about some jobless men who were thrilled to get hired early one morning. At the end of the day, they were paid exactly what they had been promised—and they were satisfied. That is, until they discovered others who worked a fraction of the day got the same wage. Suddenly, they were upset—not because they were given less than what had been promised, but because of the comparison.
No matter how good you've got it, there's always someone who seems to have it better.
No matter how smart or athletic your children, there's someone whose kids are even more gifted.
No matter how fulfilling your job, there's someone who makes more money with less effort.
No matter how edifying your church, there's another one that's deeper or more exciting.
No matter how strong your marriage is, comparison can creep in and whisper that something else is more exciting.
The Bible warns, "When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise" (2 Corinthians 10:12).
So what was Paul's secret of contentment?
The next verse gives it away: "I can do all things through him who gives me strength" (Philippians 4:13).
The key to contentment is found in Jesus Christ.
It isn't found in the world's possessions, pleasures, power, or popularity.
It is Christ who gives every good and perfect thing, and it is Christ who empowers us to do great things.
The key to contentment isn't found in what you have—but in who has you.
What ultimately matters is not how your life stacks up against others, but whether you're finding peace and purpose in your walk with Him.
C.S. Lewis once said, "I would rather be what God chose to make me than the most glorious creature that I could think of." When we come to the end of this journey, His evaluation is the only one that matters. So live in response to His grace—and do all things with His strength.
I recently heard University of Louisville basketball coach Pat Kelsey tell a story about what his coach and mentor, Skip Prosser, said when Kelsey was interviewing for the position of Director of Basketball Operations at Wake Forest:
"This is the job description, if you're willing to do it. It's not going to be easy. It's going to be long hours. It's not going to be glamorous. But it can lead to something great. My advice to you, Kels, is to crush it where you're at. Crush it where you're at. Your job is to have the pizzas on the bus after the game—make sure they're piping hot. Your job is to have the Gatorades for the team—make sure they're ice cold. The coldest Gatorades ever. Be the best in even the most minuscule of tasks. Your job is to run the video coordination of Wake Forest basketball—to have the tapes ready for the coaches to watch and break down. Have them on time. Be on it for every single one of your responsibilities."
Instead of constantly wondering if you'd be happier with a different job, playing for another team, married to someone else, or driving a newer car—be faithful where God has placed you. Crush it where you are.
When I was in my early 30s, the church where I was ministering was growing and healthy. A pulpit committee from one of the five most influential churches in our brotherhood approached me about becoming their preacher. Their minister had retired, and they offered a bigger salary than I'd ever imagined. It was a real ego boost, and I wrestled with whether I should take what looked like a big step forward in my career.
I shared the decision with my friend Paul Carrier, who later became president of Atlanta Christian College. Paul was much wiser than me and seemed almost surprised I was even considering it. He reminded me to stay focused on the challenge God had already given me. "Why would you go to a church with a great past when you're at a church with a great future?"
From that point on, when other offers came, it was easy to say, "Thanks, but I'm not interested." I stayed in that same church for 40 years. Why? Because I had learned—at least in part—the secret of contentment: to find your identity in Christ and do all things through Him who gives you strength.
That reminds me—that new car I bought five months ago may be my favorite car ever. So I think I'll stick with it—even if now and then, I have to turn around and ask, "What was that again?"
 | Bob Russell became the pastor of Southeast Christian Church at just 22 years old. That small congregation of 120 members became one of the largest churches in America, with 18,000 people attending the four worship services every weekend in 2006 when Bob retired. Now through Bob Russell Ministries, Bob continues to preach at churches; conferences throughout the United States, provide guidance for church leadership, mentor other ministers and author Bible study videos for use in small groups. Learn More » |
This isn’t just another leadership book—it’s your invitation to discover how Christ-centered questions can transform the way you lead and live. Packed with real stories and timeless wisdom, it shows you how to grow your influence, deepen your faith, and lead with the same life-changing impact Jesus did.
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