Dr. Robert Jeffress

Robert Jeffress - Choosing Contentment Over Comparison (Part 2)

January 16, 2026 | 27:29

Pathway to Victory offers a practical application of God’s Word to everyday life through the clear, biblical teaching of Pastor Jeffress.

#Choices #Contentment #Jealousy #Money #Anxiety #Gratitude #Thankfulness #Abortion #HandofGod #Provision #Sovereignty #Grace #Goodness #RobertJeffress

Closed captions

Show Timecode

Dr. Robert Jeffress | Robert Jeffress - Choosing Contentment Over Comparison (Part 2) | January 16, 2026

...
00:00:00.633 --> 00:00:00.356
♪♪♪
00:00:00.824 --> 00:00:02.425
Male announcer: from the pulpit of the first baptist church of
00:00:06.629 --> 00:00:08.865
Dallas, texas, this is "pathway to victory" with dr.
00:00:08.865 --> 00:00:12.035
Robert jeffress.
00:00:12.035 --> 00:00:14.304
Dr. robert jeffress: hi, i'm robert jeffress and welcome
00:00:14.370 --> 00:00:16.206
Again to "pathway to victory."
00:00:16.206 --> 00:00:18.141
In a world that's filled with opportunity, we've elevated our
00:00:18.141 --> 00:00:21.344
Desire for wealth and comfort to the highest level possible and
00:00:21.344 --> 00:00:26.015
Sometimes our personal ambition for bigger and better things is
00:00:26.015 --> 00:00:30.286
Fueled by nothing more than jealousy and envy.
00:00:30.286 --> 00:00:33.890
Well, in reality, personal contentment has little to do
00:00:33.890 --> 00:00:37.694
With what we have or don't have.
00:00:37.694 --> 00:00:39.863
It all comes down to how we think.
00:00:39.863 --> 00:00:42.365
My message is titled "choosing contentment over comparison" on
00:00:42.365 --> 00:00:47.103
Today's edition of "pathway to victory."
00:00:47.103 --> 00:00:50.573
♪♪♪
00:00:51.441 --> 00:01:09.192
♪ i am the righteous one ♪
00:01:00.817 --> 00:01:11.361
♪ and i am the lamb ♪
00:01:11.361 --> 00:01:13.696
♪ i am a ram in the bush for abraham ♪
00:01:13.696 --> 00:01:18.301
♪ i am the ultimate sacrifice for sin ♪
00:01:18.301 --> 00:01:22.739
♪ i am your redeemer ♪
00:01:22.739 --> 00:01:24.874
♪ the beginning and the end ♪
00:01:24.874 --> 00:01:27.243
♪ oh yeah, i am ♪
00:01:27.243 --> 00:01:35.852
♪ yes, i am ♪
00:01:35.852 --> 00:01:40.223
♪ oh yes, i am ♪
00:01:40.223 --> 00:01:45.495
♪ i am jehovah, and i am the king ♪
00:01:45.495 --> 00:01:49.766
♪ i am messiah, david's offspring ♪
00:01:49.766 --> 00:01:54.137
♪ i am your high priest, and i am the christ ♪
00:01:54.137 --> 00:01:58.641
♪ i am the resurrection, and i am the life ♪
00:01:58.641 --> 00:02:03.246
♪ i am ♪
00:02:03.246 --> 00:02:06.749
♪ i am ♪
00:02:07.684 --> 00:02:12.288
♪ i am the bread, and i am the wine ♪
00:02:12.288 --> 00:02:16.492
♪ i am your future ♪
00:02:16.492 --> 00:02:18.828
♪ so leave your past behind ♪
00:02:18.828 --> 00:02:21.197
♪ i am the one in the midst of two or three ♪
00:02:21.197 --> 00:02:25.568
♪ i am your tabernacle, i am your jubilee ♪
00:02:25.568 --> 00:02:30.907
♪ i am, jesus said ♪
00:02:30.907 --> 00:02:34.744
♪ i am ♪
00:02:34.744 --> 00:02:39.315
♪ i am the bread, i am the wine ♪
00:02:39.315 --> 00:02:43.820
♪ i am your future, so leave your past behind ♪
00:02:43.820 --> 00:02:48.391
♪ i am the one in the midst of two or three ♪
00:02:48.391 --> 00:02:53.096
♪ i am your tabernacle, i am your jubilee ♪
00:02:53.096 --> 00:02:57.333
♪ i am, jesus said ♪
00:02:57.333 --> 00:03:01.704
♪ i am ♪
00:03:01.704 --> 00:03:06.142
♪ i am hope, i am peace, i am joy, i am rest ♪
00:03:06.142 --> 00:03:10.713
♪ i am your comfort, and relief from your stress ♪
00:03:10.713 --> 00:03:15.251
♪ i am strength, i am faith, i am love, i am power ♪
00:03:15.251 --> 00:03:19.922
♪ i am your freedom, this very hour ♪
00:03:19.922 --> 00:03:24.327
♪ i am hope, i am peace, i am joy, i am rest ♪
00:03:24.327 --> 00:03:28.665
♪ i am your comfort, and relief from your stress ♪
00:03:28.665 --> 00:03:33.202
♪ i am strength, i am faith, i am love, i am power ♪
00:03:33.202 --> 00:03:37.573
♪ i am your freedom, this very hour ♪
00:03:37.573 --> 00:03:42.378
♪ i am, i am ♪
00:03:42.378 --> 00:03:51.354
♪ i am ♪
00:03:51.354 --> 00:03:59.462
Male: hallelujah. hallelujah.
00:03:59.462 --> 00:04:03.566
Male announcer: each day, millions of lost people are
00:04:06.102 --> 00:04:08.404
Searching for hope and truth.
00:04:08.404 --> 00:04:10.440
Through "pathway to victory," god's word is reaching into
00:04:10.440 --> 00:04:13.309
Homes across america and around the world, but there are still
00:04:13.309 --> 00:04:16.913
So many who haven't heard the saving message of jesus christ.
00:04:16.913 --> 00:04:20.516
You can help change that by becoming a pathway partner.
00:04:20.516 --> 00:04:23.786
You'll join a dedicated team of broadcast missionaries who are
00:04:23.786 --> 00:04:26.956
Sharing the gospel through television and radio.
00:04:26.956 --> 00:04:29.659
Your monthly support will help reach people worldwide with the
00:04:29.659 --> 00:04:33.329
Life-changing power of the cross.
00:04:33.329 --> 00:04:35.865
♪♪♪
00:04:36.966 --> 00:04:45.575
Jeffress: you know, jesus said it is impossible
00:04:45.575 --> 00:04:48.444
To serve god and money.
00:04:48.444 --> 00:04:52.882
It's interesting.
00:04:52.882 --> 00:04:54.250
He didn't say it's impossible to serve god and sex or god and
00:04:54.250 --> 00:04:57.620
Your job, or god and recreational activities.
00:04:57.620 --> 00:05:02.825
All of those things can become idols, no doubt about it.
00:05:02.825 --> 00:05:06.629
But there's something unique about the allure of money.
00:05:06.629 --> 00:05:10.032
And again, what it is is money is the passport, the key to
00:05:10.032 --> 00:05:14.070
Purchasing the things we think will make us happy in life.
00:05:14.070 --> 00:05:17.206
But it's all an illusion.
00:05:17.206 --> 00:05:19.976
You know, solomon was the wealthiest man of his day and he
00:05:19.976 --> 00:05:24.680
Talked about the futility of money.
00:05:24.680 --> 00:05:27.316
It's one thing for people who aren't rich to talk about the
00:05:27.316 --> 00:05:31.421
Futility of riches.
00:05:31.421 --> 00:05:32.789
How do they know? they've never had them.
00:05:32.789 --> 00:05:35.491
But what about somebody who's had it all and says, it's not
00:05:35.491 --> 00:05:38.461
What you think it is-- that's what solomon did.
00:05:38.461 --> 00:05:41.164
In fact, turn over to ecclesiastes chapter 5 for just
00:05:41.164 --> 00:05:43.599
A moment.
00:05:43.599 --> 00:05:44.934
Solomon gives six reasons that money will never satisfy our
00:05:44.934 --> 00:05:50.406
Deepest needs.
00:05:50.406 --> 00:05:52.175
Look at what he says in ecclesiastes chapter 5, write
00:05:52.175 --> 00:05:55.044
These down.
00:05:55.044 --> 00:05:56.379
First of all, solomon observes that no one ever has enough
00:05:56.379 --> 00:06:00.249
Money or at least thinks they do.
00:06:00.249 --> 00:06:02.452
Closely related to that, verse 11, he says, money
00:06:02.452 --> 00:06:05.988
Attracts parasites.
00:06:05.988 --> 00:06:08.991
Thirdly, he says a limitation of money, money produces anxiety.
00:06:08.991 --> 00:06:13.229
Fourthly, money can be harmful.
00:06:13.229 --> 00:06:15.665
And it was the love of money that caused the couple ananias
00:06:15.665 --> 00:06:20.102
And sapphira to lie to and be struck dead by the holy spirit
00:06:20.102 --> 00:06:25.408
Of god.
00:06:25.408 --> 00:06:26.776
That's the problem with money.
00:06:26.776 --> 00:06:29.979
Fifth, money can easily be lost, solomon says.
00:06:29.979 --> 00:06:33.983
Look at verse 14.
00:06:33.983 --> 00:06:35.618
"or wealth can be lost through some misfortune."
00:06:35.618 --> 00:06:39.255
I mean, think about this how tragic it is to sacrifice, to
00:06:39.255 --> 00:06:42.525
Save, to accumulate money only to have it be wiped away by a
00:06:42.525 --> 00:06:47.163
Bad investment or a catastrophic illness or a lawsuit.
00:06:47.163 --> 00:06:51.968
That's why solomon says in proverbs 23, verses 4 and 5, "do
00:06:51.968 --> 00:06:56.672
Not wear yourself out to get rich.
00:06:56.672 --> 00:07:00.643
Have the wisdom to show restraint.
00:07:00.643 --> 00:07:03.212
Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone for they will
00:07:03.212 --> 00:07:07.083
Surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle."
00:07:07.083 --> 00:07:12.255
Have you ever seen that happen?
00:07:12.255 --> 00:07:13.856
Your money just evaporate over night through some misfortune?
00:07:13.856 --> 00:07:20.196
Sixth and perhaps most importantly, money can't satisfy
00:07:20.196 --> 00:07:23.933
Ultimately because money is only temporal.
00:07:23.933 --> 00:07:27.169
Look at verse 15.
00:07:27.169 --> 00:07:29.372
"naked a man comes from his mother's womb, and as he comes,
00:07:29.372 --> 00:07:33.109
So he departs.
00:07:33.109 --> 00:07:34.443
He takes nothing from his labor that he can carry into
00:07:34.443 --> 00:07:38.681
His hand."
00:07:38.681 --> 00:07:40.550
You know, the fact is you came into this world with nothing and
00:07:40.550 --> 00:07:44.020
You and i will leave it with nothing.
00:07:44.020 --> 00:07:46.656
There are no u-hauls in heaven.
00:07:46.656 --> 00:07:49.992
Everything we have, we leave behind.
00:07:49.992 --> 00:07:54.764
I saw a great illustration of that years ago from the advice
00:07:54.764 --> 00:07:59.502
Columnist from the newspapers, ann landers.
00:07:59.502 --> 00:08:03.005
How many of you remember ann landers advice columnist?
00:08:03.005 --> 00:08:06.409
How many of you remember newspapers?
00:08:06.409 --> 00:08:08.344
Remember those?
00:08:08.344 --> 00:08:12.949
I remember clipping this column out.
00:08:12.949 --> 00:08:14.584
It made such an impression on me.
00:08:14.584 --> 00:08:16.986
The title of the article from ann landers was "you can't take
00:08:16.986 --> 00:08:21.257
It with you."
00:08:21.257 --> 00:08:22.592
She writes, "aunt emma was married to a tight wad, uncle
00:08:22.592 --> 00:08:27.530
Ali, who was also a little strange.
00:08:27.530 --> 00:08:30.066
Uncle ali made a good salary, but they lived frugally because
00:08:30.066 --> 00:08:33.669
He insisted on putting 20% of his paycheck under the mattress.
00:08:33.669 --> 00:08:38.274
The money he said was going to come in handy in their old age.
00:08:38.274 --> 00:08:42.511
When uncle ali was 60, he was stricken with cancer.
00:08:42.511 --> 00:08:46.682
Toward the end, he made aunt emma promise in the presence of
00:08:46.682 --> 00:08:50.252
His brothers that she would put the money he had stashed away in
00:08:50.252 --> 00:08:54.557
His coffin so he could buy his way into heaven if he had to.
00:08:54.557 --> 00:08:59.895
They all knew uncle ali was a little odd, but this was clearly
00:08:59.895 --> 00:09:03.466
A crazy request.
00:09:03.466 --> 00:09:05.401
But ann emma did promise and assured uncle ali's brothers
00:09:05.401 --> 00:09:09.538
That she was a woman of her word and would do as he asked.
00:09:09.538 --> 00:09:13.542
The following morning after uncle ali died, she took the
00:09:13.542 --> 00:09:17.279
Money, about $26,000, from under the mattress to the bank and
00:09:17.279 --> 00:09:21.651
Deposited it.
00:09:21.651 --> 00:09:22.985
She then wrote a check to uncle ali and put it in his coffin."
00:09:22.985 --> 00:09:27.123
[congregation laughing]
00:09:27.123 --> 00:09:34.797
Money is temporal.
00:09:34.797 --> 00:09:38.868
You know, the fact is you can't take it with you, but you can do
00:09:38.868 --> 00:09:44.206
Something else if you're a christian.
00:09:44.206 --> 00:09:45.741
You can't take it with you, but first you can send it on ahead
00:09:45.741 --> 00:09:49.145
Of you if you want to.
00:09:49.145 --> 00:09:50.713
Now, this word content is not a synonym for lazy or
00:09:50.713 --> 00:09:54.817
Couch potato.
00:09:54.817 --> 00:09:56.385
And so let me give you a definition of contentment that i
00:09:56.385 --> 00:09:59.822
Use in my book, "the road most traveled."
00:09:59.822 --> 00:10:02.758
"contentment means being at peace with the unchangeable
00:10:02.758 --> 00:10:07.263
Circumstances, choices, and even mistakes that shape
00:10:07.263 --> 00:10:11.867
Our destiny."
00:10:11.867 --> 00:10:13.235
Let me say it again.
00:10:13.235 --> 00:10:14.570
"contentment means being at peace with the unchangeable
00:10:14.570 --> 00:10:17.173
Circumstances, choices, and even mistakes that shape
00:10:17.173 --> 00:10:21.510
Our destiny."
00:10:21.510 --> 00:10:22.845
Contentment is the attitude that says i'm gonna be satisfied with
00:10:22.845 --> 00:10:25.514
What god has given me.
00:10:25.514 --> 00:10:27.383
It's interesting when you look at the apostle paul, he was
00:10:27.383 --> 00:10:30.820
Never satisfied with what he was, but he was always satisfied
00:10:30.820 --> 00:10:35.224
With what he had.
00:10:35.224 --> 00:10:36.759
He was never satisfied in his relationship with god.
00:10:36.759 --> 00:10:40.429
In philippians 3:14, he said, "i press on toward the goal for the
00:10:40.429 --> 00:10:44.166
Prize of the upward call of god in christ jesus," but he was
00:10:44.166 --> 00:10:49.238
Content in his material possessions.
00:10:49.238 --> 00:10:51.674
In fact, in philippians 4 verses 11 to 13, he wrote, "not that i
00:10:51.674 --> 00:10:55.911
Speak from financial want, for i have learned," underline that
00:10:55.911 --> 00:11:00.349
Word learned, "to be content in whatever circumstances i am.
00:11:00.349 --> 00:11:04.687
I know how to get along with humble means, and i know how to
00:11:04.687 --> 00:11:07.990
Live in prosperity: in any and every circumstance i have
00:11:07.990 --> 00:11:11.627
Learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of
00:11:11.627 --> 00:11:15.765
Having abundance and suffering need.
00:11:15.765 --> 00:11:18.234
I can do all things through christ who strengthens me."
00:11:18.234 --> 00:11:24.173
Paul said, contentment doesn't come naturally, certainly not in
00:11:24.173 --> 00:11:27.576
Our culture.
00:11:27.576 --> 00:11:28.944
It's something we have to learn.
00:11:28.944 --> 00:11:31.547
How do you learn how to be content, how to be satisfied
00:11:31.547 --> 00:11:35.918
With what god has given you?
00:11:35.918 --> 00:11:37.887
Very quickly, let me share with you three secrets for
00:11:37.887 --> 00:11:41.190
Learning contentment.
00:11:41.190 --> 00:11:42.858
Number one, compare yourself to god's standard of success rather
00:11:42.858 --> 00:11:49.031
Than human standards of success.
00:11:49.031 --> 00:11:52.101
Compare yourself to god's standard of success rather than
00:11:52.101 --> 00:11:55.104
Human standards of success.
00:11:55.104 --> 00:11:56.772
Before paul met christ, he was in the rat race.
00:11:56.772 --> 00:12:00.242
He was comparing himself to other people.
00:12:00.242 --> 00:12:02.645
He wanted to be the hebrew of the hebrews and he was.
00:12:02.645 --> 00:12:06.015
He was taught in the school of gamaliel.
00:12:06.015 --> 00:12:08.517
He was circumcised on the eighth day.
00:12:08.517 --> 00:12:10.786
He was of the tribe of benjamin.
00:12:10.786 --> 00:12:12.221
He measured his success in terms of other people.
00:12:12.221 --> 00:12:15.457
But the moment he met jesus christ, that standard changed.
00:12:15.457 --> 00:12:18.894
He says in philippians 3, verse 7, "but whatever things were
00:12:18.894 --> 00:12:22.131
Gain to me, those things i have counted as loss for the sake
00:12:22.131 --> 00:12:25.634
Of christ.
00:12:25.634 --> 00:12:27.002
More than that, i count all things to be lost in view of the
00:12:27.002 --> 00:12:30.840
Surpassing value of knowing jesus my lord."
00:12:30.840 --> 00:12:34.310
He said all i'm concentrating on is my relationship with god, not
00:12:34.310 --> 00:12:39.582
What other people do or don't do.
00:12:39.582 --> 00:12:42.518
You know for 50 years, dr. george w. truett was pastor of
00:12:42.518 --> 00:12:46.655
This church.
00:12:46.655 --> 00:12:47.990
He had a great definition of success.
00:12:47.990 --> 00:12:50.326
I've never forgotten.
00:12:50.326 --> 00:12:51.794
He said, "success is knowing the will of god and doing it."
00:12:51.794 --> 00:13:00.035
Success is knowing the will of god and doing it.
00:13:00.035 --> 00:13:04.240
God has a unique plan for your life and my life.
00:13:04.240 --> 00:13:08.043
True success is knowing what that purpose is and fulfilling
00:13:08.043 --> 00:13:12.715
That purpose.
00:13:12.715 --> 00:13:14.049
Not the purpose he has for somebody else, but the purpose
00:13:14.049 --> 00:13:16.619
He has for you.
00:13:16.619 --> 00:13:18.988
When we stand one day before the bema, the judgment seat of
00:13:18.988 --> 00:13:22.558
Christ, we're gonna be evaluated.
00:13:22.558 --> 00:13:24.793
Not according to god's plan for somebody else's life, not his
00:13:24.793 --> 00:13:28.831
Plan for billy graham or lottie moon or anybody else.
00:13:28.831 --> 00:13:31.767
We're gonna be judged according to the unique plan god has
00:13:31.767 --> 00:13:35.804
For us.
00:13:35.804 --> 00:13:38.474
Number two, to experience satisfaction in life, trust in
00:13:38.474 --> 00:13:43.078
God's sovereign plan in your life.
00:13:43.078 --> 00:13:46.682
Trust in god's sovereign plan in your life.
00:13:46.682 --> 00:13:49.251
Do you realize that the most important parts of your life
00:13:49.251 --> 00:13:53.055
Were all part of god's sovereign plan for you before you ever
00:13:53.055 --> 00:13:56.825
Drew your first breath?
00:13:56.825 --> 00:13:58.193
I mean, think about the most important things about you, your
00:13:58.193 --> 00:14:00.763
Physical makeup, your emotional makeup, your parents that
00:14:00.763 --> 00:14:05.334
Produce the right dna to make you who you are.
00:14:05.334 --> 00:14:08.304
All those things were predetermined by god.
00:14:08.304 --> 00:14:11.774
You didn't have one thing to do with it.
00:14:11.774 --> 00:14:15.177
If you don't believe that, listen to the words of psalm
00:14:15.177 --> 00:14:18.113
139, verses 13 to 16.
00:14:18.113 --> 00:14:19.581
David said, "you made all the delicate inner parts of my body
00:14:19.581 --> 00:14:24.286
And then knit them together in my mother's womb.
00:14:24.286 --> 00:14:27.589
Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex.
00:14:27.589 --> 00:14:31.126
It is amazing to think about.
00:14:31.126 --> 00:14:33.262
Your workmanship is marvelous and how well i know it.
00:14:33.262 --> 00:14:36.632
You were there while i was being formed in utter seclusion.
00:14:36.632 --> 00:14:40.336
You saw me before i was born and scheduled each day of my life
00:14:40.336 --> 00:14:44.306
Before i began to breathe.
00:14:44.306 --> 00:14:45.674
Every day was recorded in your book."
00:14:45.674 --> 00:14:50.479
What great verses to remind us that that unborn child in the
00:14:50.479 --> 00:14:55.050
Mother's womb is the work of god's hands.
00:14:55.050 --> 00:14:58.887
God is crafting that child into a unique human being for whom he
00:14:58.887 --> 00:15:04.093
Has a tremendous purpose.
00:15:04.093 --> 00:15:08.831
And when we destroy an unborn child, we are destroying a life
00:15:08.831 --> 00:15:14.069
And the work of god.
00:15:14.069 --> 00:15:16.672
The russian writer, dostoyevsky said, "without god,
00:15:16.672 --> 00:15:20.542
All things are permissible."
00:15:20.542 --> 00:15:23.078
If there is no god, as some would have a say, if god has not
00:15:23.078 --> 00:15:26.815
Spoken, then who's to say it's wrong to murder a child?
00:15:26.815 --> 00:15:30.219
But ladies and gentlemen, god has spoken and he has said all
00:15:30.219 --> 00:15:34.823
Life is sacred and it is the duty of christians to stand up,
00:15:34.823 --> 00:15:40.095
To rise up and say this is murder, this is wrong, this is
00:15:40.095 --> 00:15:44.566
Depraved, and we're not going to have it in this country.
00:15:44.566 --> 00:15:53.475
And thank god for christians.
00:15:53.475 --> 00:15:56.745
Thank god for a president who's willing to say, all life, all
00:15:56.745 --> 00:16:02.251
Children, both born and unborn, are made in the image of god.
00:16:02.251 --> 00:16:08.724
That's what we must remember.
00:16:08.724 --> 00:16:10.793
Now, these verses are a wonderful defense of the
00:16:10.793 --> 00:16:18.667
Sanctity of life, but don't allow that to also hide
00:16:18.667 --> 00:16:23.305
From you--these verses are a great confirmation of the
00:16:23.305 --> 00:16:27.543
Sovereignty of god in your life.
00:16:27.543 --> 00:16:30.946
It ought to be a great source of comfort to you to think that
00:16:30.946 --> 00:16:34.216
Every part of you was predetermined by god and not
00:16:34.216 --> 00:16:37.619
Only your emotional makeup and your physical appearance.
00:16:37.619 --> 00:16:41.690
Notice in verse 16, he says every day of your life was
00:16:41.690 --> 00:16:45.461
Scheduled in god's book before you lived one of them.
00:16:45.461 --> 00:16:49.331
That means the other aspects of your life, your choice of a
00:16:49.331 --> 00:16:53.435
Mate, your vocation, your children, everything has already
00:16:53.435 --> 00:16:59.808
Been recorded in god's book.
00:16:59.808 --> 00:17:02.811
Do you know god's design, his sovereignty over your life even
00:17:02.811 --> 00:17:07.216
Extends to your economic status in life?
00:17:07.216 --> 00:17:10.719
You know, we think, oh, well, if we have money, we think it's
00:17:10.719 --> 00:17:14.456
Because of our ingenuity or our hard work.
00:17:14.456 --> 00:17:17.226
No, no, it's all because of the graciousness of god.
00:17:17.226 --> 00:17:22.264
And by the way, compared to the rest of the world, every one of
00:17:22.264 --> 00:17:24.967
Us in this room today are wealthy.
00:17:24.967 --> 00:17:27.736
We're wealthy.
00:17:27.736 --> 00:17:29.104
Job 34, verse 19 says, "god shows no partiality to princes
00:17:29.104 --> 00:17:34.643
Nor regards the rich above the poor.
00:17:34.643 --> 00:17:37.079
For they are all the work of his hands."
00:17:37.079 --> 00:17:41.617
Even our economic status is a part of god's plan.
00:17:41.617 --> 00:17:44.753
And that's why paul said in 1 timothy 6:17, "instruct those
00:17:44.753 --> 00:17:48.524
Who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to
00:17:48.524 --> 00:17:52.594
Fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on
00:17:52.594 --> 00:17:55.597
God who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy."
00:17:55.597 --> 00:18:00.836
If you're gonna be satisfied with your life situation, trust
00:18:00.836 --> 00:18:05.240
In god's sovereign plan for your life.
00:18:05.240 --> 00:18:08.410
Finally, a key to contentment is learning to manage
00:18:08.410 --> 00:18:12.347
Your expectations.
00:18:12.347 --> 00:18:14.082
Manage your expectations.
00:18:14.082 --> 00:18:15.551
You know, there's a story about a guy who for no reason other
00:18:15.551 --> 00:18:18.720
Than his generosity every day went to every house on his block
00:18:18.720 --> 00:18:24.960
And gave the occupant $100, every day.
00:18:24.960 --> 00:18:28.096
He did it for 30 days.
00:18:28.096 --> 00:18:29.765
On the 31st day, he went to every house, but he accidentally
00:18:29.765 --> 00:18:33.735
Missed a house, he missed the house.
00:18:33.735 --> 00:18:36.505
The guy opened his window and stuck his head out the window
00:18:36.505 --> 00:18:40.008
And started cursing the man saying, where is my $100?
00:18:40.008 --> 00:18:43.946
You know, we're like that with god.
00:18:43.946 --> 00:18:45.847
We think god owes us certain things simply because he's given
00:18:45.847 --> 00:18:49.685
Them to us in the past.
00:18:49.685 --> 00:18:51.486
The fact is, god owes us nothing.
00:18:51.486 --> 00:18:55.023
We need to manage our expectations.
00:18:55.023 --> 00:18:57.626
Paul had a good way of doing that.
00:18:57.626 --> 00:18:59.595
In 1 timothy 6:7 and 8, he said, "for, we have brought nothing
00:18:59.595 --> 00:19:03.131
Into this world so we cannot take anything out of it either.
00:19:03.131 --> 00:19:06.868
If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content."
00:19:06.868 --> 00:19:15.344
Those are powerful words.
00:19:15.344 --> 00:19:19.314
If you know where your next meal is coming from, if you have a
00:19:19.314 --> 00:19:23.252
Place to sleep tonight that's inside instead of outside and
00:19:23.252 --> 00:19:26.622
The elements, you and i should be satisfied.
00:19:26.622 --> 00:19:30.892
Anything we have above that is purely by the grace of god.
00:19:30.892 --> 00:19:36.898
God owes us nothing.
00:19:36.898 --> 00:19:39.368
If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content.
00:19:39.368 --> 00:19:43.572
Learn to manage your expectations.
00:19:43.572 --> 00:19:45.807
You know, at the beginning of this series, "choose your
00:19:45.807 --> 00:19:47.676
Attitudes, change your life," we said an attitude is our response
00:19:47.676 --> 00:19:53.582
To the circumstances of life.
00:19:53.582 --> 00:19:56.785
How do you respond to the inevitable circumstance of other
00:19:56.785 --> 00:20:01.757
People having more than you have?
00:20:01.757 --> 00:20:07.462
If you respond with dissatisfaction, with
00:20:07.462 --> 00:20:11.466
Covetousness, it's going to lead to misery and eventually to sin
00:20:11.466 --> 00:20:15.337
In your life.
00:20:15.337 --> 00:20:16.705
You can choose that response or you can choose to be content.
00:20:16.705 --> 00:20:22.411
Let me close by having you write down three statements that will
00:20:22.411 --> 00:20:25.814
Help you learn contentment.
00:20:25.814 --> 00:20:27.683
Three reminders.
00:20:27.683 --> 00:20:29.151
Reminder number one, god's plan for your life is unique;
00:20:29.151 --> 00:20:34.690
Therefore, refuse to compare yourself with others.
00:20:34.690 --> 00:20:37.426
God's plan for your life is unique; therefore, refuse to
00:20:37.426 --> 00:20:40.796
Compare yourself with others.
00:20:40.796 --> 00:20:43.198
Secondly, god's purpose for your life is based on his elective
00:20:43.198 --> 00:20:48.870
Will; therefore trust in his sovereignty.
00:20:48.870 --> 00:20:53.475
God's purpose for your life is based on his elective will;
00:20:53.475 --> 00:20:56.845
Therefore trust in his sovereignty.
00:20:56.845 --> 00:20:58.914
And finally, god's provisions for your life come from his
00:20:58.914 --> 00:21:03.785
Goodness; therefore, be grateful for what he has
00:21:03.785 --> 00:21:08.357
Already provided.
00:21:08.357 --> 00:21:11.059
God's provisions for your life come from his goodness;
00:21:11.059 --> 00:21:13.829
Therefore, be grateful for what he has already provided.
00:21:13.829 --> 00:21:16.631
You know what?
00:21:16.631 --> 00:21:17.966
It is impossible for gratitude and discontent to exist in the
00:21:17.966 --> 00:21:24.139
Same heart.
00:21:24.139 --> 00:21:25.841
If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content.
00:21:25.841 --> 00:21:31.346
♪♪♪
00:21:31.346 --> 00:21:36.084
Jeffress: this is the perfect way to conclude this
00:21:36.151 --> 00:21:38.520
Study together.
00:21:38.520 --> 00:21:39.888
Even amidst the uncertainty of our times, we can rest in god's
00:21:39.888 --> 00:21:44.259
Certain provision.
00:21:44.259 --> 00:21:46.061
He is the sole source of our contentment.
00:21:46.061 --> 00:21:48.997
Now, in closing the day, let me share a note from a public
00:21:48.997 --> 00:21:52.100
School teacher in los angeles.
00:21:52.100 --> 00:21:54.169
Julie wrote and said, "i'm surrounded by people every day
00:21:54.169 --> 00:21:58.240
Who are not christians.
00:21:58.240 --> 00:22:00.041
I feel so alone at school.
00:22:00.041 --> 00:22:02.377
And when i found "pathway to victory" on the radio, i was
00:22:02.377 --> 00:22:05.714
Thrilled to hear you preach the truth.
00:22:05.714 --> 00:22:08.417
It's so comforting to know that i'm not alone."
00:22:08.417 --> 00:22:11.953
Well, julie, you're right.
00:22:11.953 --> 00:22:13.488
You aren't alone.
00:22:13.488 --> 00:22:14.923
There are christians all across our nation who believe the truth
00:22:14.923 --> 00:22:18.360
Of god's word and many of them are partnering with "pathway to
00:22:18.360 --> 00:22:21.897
Victory" to pierce the darkness with the light of god's word.
00:22:21.897 --> 00:22:26.168
So let me say thank you to our many faithful supporters who
00:22:26.168 --> 00:22:30.505
Make this program available to countless people across america
00:22:30.505 --> 00:22:34.376
And around the world.
00:22:34.376 --> 00:22:35.977
You are truly making a difference.
00:22:35.977 --> 00:22:38.847
Now, stay right there.
00:22:38.847 --> 00:22:40.182
I'll be back with more "pathway to victory" in just a moment.
00:22:40.182 --> 00:22:43.819
Announcer: we all want to live a life of meaning and
00:22:45.187 --> 00:22:47.222
Significance, but we often dream too small.
00:22:47.222 --> 00:22:50.792
Jeffress: my friends david green, founder and ceo of hobby
00:22:50.792 --> 00:22:54.062
Lobby, and bill high, ceo of legacy stone, have written a
00:22:54.062 --> 00:22:58.767
Brand new book called "the legacy life."
00:22:58.767 --> 00:23:01.670
Jeffress: you've said it in this book several times.
00:23:01.670 --> 00:23:04.940
Legacy is not what you leave behind, it's what you set in
00:23:04.940 --> 00:23:08.477
Motion for the future.
00:23:08.477 --> 00:23:10.212
Jeffress: this book will challenge you to point your life
00:23:10.212 --> 00:23:12.647
Heavenward and set in motion a legacy of eternal significance.
00:23:12.647 --> 00:23:17.919
David green: bill, i've found that it's much easier to run a
00:23:17.919 --> 00:23:20.322
Business, but having a family, a wife, children that serve the
00:23:20.322 --> 00:23:23.758
Lord is much, much more difficult.
00:23:23.758 --> 00:23:25.794
And that's who we are. we're not about hobby lobby.
00:23:25.794 --> 00:23:28.096
We're about mission, vision, and values, and it's all based on
00:23:28.096 --> 00:23:31.199
God's word, and that's what we're excited about.
00:23:31.199 --> 00:23:33.435
Bill high: no matter what stage of life you're in, "the legacy
00:23:33.435 --> 00:23:36.137
Life" will help you understand how to apply god's word and set
00:23:36.137 --> 00:23:40.675
In motion a great legacy.
00:23:40.675 --> 00:23:43.612
Announcer: request "the legacy life" when you give a generous
00:23:43.612 --> 00:23:46.214
Gift to "pathway to victory" or when you become a pathway
00:23:46.214 --> 00:23:48.917
Partner.
00:23:48.917 --> 00:23:50.252
You'll also receive the powerful book by dr. jeffress, "choose
00:23:50.252 --> 00:23:53.154
Your attitudes, change your life."
00:23:53.154 --> 00:23:55.423
And when your ministry gift is $100 or more, we'll also send
00:23:55.423 --> 00:23:58.994
You the "choose your attitudes, change your life" personal and
00:23:58.994 --> 00:24:02.397
Group study guide, plus the complete teaching series on cd
00:24:02.397 --> 00:24:06.134
And dvd and a set of attitude booster cards for
00:24:06.134 --> 00:24:10.038
Your encouragement.
00:24:10.038 --> 00:24:11.373
Thank you for supporting "pathway to victory."
00:24:11.373 --> 00:24:13.875
Jeffress: contentment doesn't come naturally to us.
00:24:16.778 --> 00:24:19.814
For generations, families have tried desperately to keep up
00:24:19.814 --> 00:24:23.585
With the joneses.
00:24:23.585 --> 00:24:24.920
More recently, people measure their value by comparing post
00:24:24.920 --> 00:24:29.424
On social media.
00:24:29.424 --> 00:24:30.825
But regardless of what form it takes, comparison is guaranteed
00:24:30.825 --> 00:24:35.730
To rob us of joy.
00:24:35.730 --> 00:24:37.432
With god's help, we can be at peace with our circumstances.
00:24:37.432 --> 00:24:42.337
Well, next time we'll venture into the next key for changing
00:24:42.337 --> 00:24:46.107
Your life as i share from scripture how to choose
00:24:46.107 --> 00:24:49.444
Forgiveness over bitterness.
00:24:49.444 --> 00:24:51.947
Stay tuned for a preview of what's coming up next in our
00:24:51.947 --> 00:24:54.849
Series, "choose your attitudes, change your life."
00:24:54.849 --> 00:24:59.354
Jeffress: at some point in your life, you're going to be hurt
00:24:59.421 --> 00:25:02.724
And hurt deeply by another person.
00:25:02.724 --> 00:25:05.293
Have you discovered that you can't control what other people
00:25:05.293 --> 00:25:07.896
Do to you?
00:25:07.896 --> 00:25:09.364
But we do have control over how we respond to those hurts
00:25:09.364 --> 00:25:13.301
In life.
00:25:13.301 --> 00:25:14.636
We can hold on to them and that's what bitterness is.
00:25:14.636 --> 00:25:18.106
Announcer: set your dvr and join us next time for the message,
00:25:18.106 --> 00:25:21.276
"choosing forgiveness
00:25:21.276 --> 00:25:22.811
Over bitterness"
00:25:22.811 --> 00:25:24.145
Here on "pathway to victory."
00:25:24.145 --> 00:25:25.780
Jeffress: each of us will leave a legacy.
00:25:28.516 --> 00:25:31.353
What will your legacy be?
00:25:31.353 --> 00:25:33.688
Your legacy giving can further the gospel and be an example to
00:25:33.688 --> 00:25:37.692
Your children about what matters most in life.
00:25:37.692 --> 00:25:41.429
The world my daughters and grandchildren are growing up in
00:25:41.429 --> 00:25:44.899
Is vastly different than the one you and i grew up in.
00:25:44.899 --> 00:25:48.637
The gospel of jesus christ is our only answer.
00:25:48.637 --> 00:25:52.807
And naming "pathway to victory" as a beneficiary in your will
00:25:52.807 --> 00:25:56.978
Helps guarantee that there will be a trusted ministry that will
00:25:56.978 --> 00:26:01.149
Continue to be salt and light.
00:26:01.149 --> 00:26:03.818
Like the ripples that emanate from a rock thrown into a pond,
00:26:03.818 --> 00:26:07.889
Your influence for christ can keep going on and on after you
00:26:07.889 --> 00:26:12.394
Die with a gift in your will.
00:26:12.394 --> 00:26:14.996
What will your legacy be?
00:26:14.996 --> 00:26:17.699
Only one life will soon be passed.
00:26:17.699 --> 00:26:21.069
Only what's done for christ will last.
00:26:21.069 --> 00:26:24.839
Announcer: experience the beauty of alaska with the
00:26:28.276 --> 00:26:30.578
Pathway to victory family june 13-20, 2026.
00:26:30.578 --> 00:26:35.550
Sail through the calm waters of the legendary inside passage
00:26:35.550 --> 00:26:38.953
With dr. robert jeffress aboard holland america's
00:26:38.953 --> 00:26:41.423
Magnificent koningsdam.
00:26:41.423 --> 00:26:43.658
Be inspired by award-winning musician michael o'brien's
00:26:43.658 --> 00:26:46.561
Powerful worship; share laughter with dennis swanberg,
00:26:46.561 --> 00:26:49.931
America's minister of encouragement;
00:26:49.931 --> 00:26:52.233
All while exploring frontier towns like juneau,
00:26:52.233 --> 00:26:55.136
Skagway, and ketchikan.
00:26:55.136 --> 00:26:57.138
Jeffress: there's something powerful about connecting with
00:26:57.138 --> 00:26:59.407
God and fellow believers in the majesty
00:26:59.407 --> 00:27:02.410
Of his untamed wilderness.
00:27:02.410 --> 00:27:04.579
From the majestic glaciers to soaring eagles,
00:27:04.579 --> 00:27:07.716
These moments in god's creation will deepen your
00:27:07.716 --> 00:27:10.318
Faith in powerful ways.
00:27:10.318 --> 00:27:12.487
Announcer: join us for a spiritual journey through some
00:27:12.487 --> 00:27:14.656
Of creation's most spectacular displays.
00:27:14.656 --> 00:27:17.792
Don't wait, our best cabins are going fast.
00:27:17.792 --> 00:27:20.295
Secure your alaska adventure now.
00:27:20.295 --> 00:27:22.564
Call ... or visit ptv.org.
00:27:22.564 --> 00:27:27.802

Robert Jeffress - Choosing Contentment Over Comparison (Part 2)

January 16, 2026 | 27:29

Closed captions

Share