1. TBN
  2. Programs
  3. Dr. Robert Jeffress
  4. Episodes
  5. Robert Jeffress - Developing A Content Heart
Dr. Robert Jeffress

Robert Jeffress - Developing A Content Heart

July 21, 2025 | 29:0

Robert Jeffress - Developing A Content Heart
Pathway to Victory offers a practical application of God’s Word to everyday life through the clear, biblical teaching of Pastor Jeffress.
#WordofGod #Encouragement #Future #Apostles #Rejoice #Visions/Dreams #Gratitude #Contentment

Closed captions

Show Timecode
Dr. Robert Jeffress | Robert Jeffress - Developing A Content Heart | July 21, 2025
  • ...
  • 00:00:00.633 --> 00:00:00.356
  • ♪♪♪
  • 00:00:00.824 --> 00:00:02.625
  • Male announcer: from the pulpit of the first baptist
  • 00:00:06.729 --> 00:00:08.465
  • Church of dallas, texas, this is "pathway to victory"
  • 00:00:08.465 --> 00:00:11.801
  • With dr. robert jeffress.
  • 00:00:11.801 --> 00:00:14.838
  • Dr. robert jeffress: hi, i'm robert jefferson, and welcome
  • 00:00:14.838 --> 00:00:16.706
  • Again to "pathway to victory."
  • 00:00:16.706 --> 00:00:18.675
  • How many times do we repeat the same cycle?
  • 00:00:18.675 --> 00:00:21.978
  • If only i had this, then i would be happy.
  • 00:00:21.978 --> 00:00:24.848
  • Then once we achieve that goal, we come up with some other need,
  • 00:00:24.848 --> 00:00:28.284
  • And so on it goes.
  • 00:00:28.284 --> 00:00:30.019
  • It's an exhausting and relentless pattern that never
  • 00:00:30.019 --> 00:00:33.156
  • Ends, but today i'll show you that happiness has nothing to do
  • 00:00:33.156 --> 00:00:37.093
  • With our circumstances and everything to do with
  • 00:00:37.093 --> 00:00:40.163
  • Our hearts.
  • 00:00:40.163 --> 00:00:41.498
  • My message is titled "developing a content heart" on today's
  • 00:00:41.498 --> 00:00:45.902
  • Edition of "pathway to victory."
  • 00:00:45.902 --> 00:00:48.705
  • ♪♪♪
  • 00:00:48.705 --> 00:00:56.913
  • Male announcer: give your heart the encouragement it needs.
  • 00:00:56.913 --> 00:00:59.716
  • Start and end each day meditating on god's word with
  • 00:00:59.716 --> 00:01:02.952
  • "encouragement for the heart of a disciple."
  • 00:01:02.952 --> 00:01:05.388
  • This brand-new, beautiful, full-color, padded hardcover
  • 00:01:05.388 --> 00:01:08.091
  • Book by dr. robert jeffress features 80 breathtaking images
  • 00:01:08.091 --> 00:01:11.895
  • Of creation paired with scripture, prayers, and insights
  • 00:01:11.895 --> 00:01:15.165
  • You can read in under two minutes,
  • 00:01:15.165 --> 00:01:17.500
  • Perfect for your coffee table or as a thoughtful
  • 00:01:17.500 --> 00:01:19.602
  • Gift for a loved one.
  • 00:01:19.602 --> 00:01:20.937
  • Request "encouragement for the heart of a disciple" when you
  • 00:01:20.937 --> 00:01:24.073
  • Give a generous gift to pathway to victory.
  • 00:01:24.073 --> 00:01:26.809
  • ♪♪♪
  • 00:01:28.378 --> 00:01:37.020
  • Jeffress: question: who is happier, a man with $11 million
  • 00:01:37.020 --> 00:01:43.059
  • Or a man with 11 children?
  • 00:01:43.059 --> 00:01:48.765
  • Answer: the man with 11 children.
  • 00:01:48.765 --> 00:01:52.669
  • Why?
  • 00:01:52.669 --> 00:01:54.037
  • Because he doesn't want more.
  • 00:01:54.037 --> 00:02:03.079
  • More, m-o-r-e.
  • 00:02:03.079 --> 00:02:06.916
  • Did you know more is more than a four letter word?
  • 00:02:06.916 --> 00:02:10.753
  • More is a thief that robs us of enjoyment of the present.
  • 00:02:10.753 --> 00:02:16.659
  • More is a motivator of disharmony in relationships.
  • 00:02:16.659 --> 00:02:22.165
  • More is a provocateur of feelings of inadequacy.
  • 00:02:22.165 --> 00:02:26.903
  • More is a cruel taskmaster who will not allow us to rest.
  • 00:02:26.903 --> 00:02:32.875
  • By the way, that disease of more is no respecter of persons.
  • 00:02:32.875 --> 00:02:37.480
  • Anyone can catch the disease.
  • 00:02:37.480 --> 00:02:40.049
  • Remember john d. rockefeller, the founder of the standard oil
  • 00:02:40.049 --> 00:02:43.319
  • Company, multi-millionaire, one of the richest men of his day?
  • 00:02:43.319 --> 00:02:47.223
  • Somebody once asked rockefeller, "how much money do you need to
  • 00:02:47.223 --> 00:02:51.261
  • Be satisfied?"
  • 00:02:51.261 --> 00:02:52.895
  • His answer, "just a little bit more."
  • 00:02:52.895 --> 00:02:57.300
  • You know, sometimes we use different words to express that
  • 00:02:57.300 --> 00:03:02.038
  • Desire for more.
  • 00:03:02.038 --> 00:03:03.906
  • I wish i lived in a larger home.
  • 00:03:03.906 --> 00:03:07.010
  • I wish i drove a newer car.
  • 00:03:07.010 --> 00:03:10.013
  • I wish i had a better job.
  • 00:03:10.013 --> 00:03:12.782
  • I wish i had a different mate.
  • 00:03:12.782 --> 00:03:16.319
  • But whether we're talking about larger, bigger, better,
  • 00:03:16.319 --> 00:03:19.789
  • Different, the disease is still the same.
  • 00:03:19.789 --> 00:03:22.825
  • It's a dissatisfaction with our present circumstances.
  • 00:03:22.825 --> 00:03:27.530
  • Now, let me be clear, a dissatisfaction with your
  • 00:03:27.530 --> 00:03:30.533
  • Present circumstances isn't always bad.
  • 00:03:30.533 --> 00:03:34.671
  • It was dissatisfaction with being limited to travel by land
  • 00:03:34.671 --> 00:03:38.775
  • And sea that motivated orville and wilbur wright to develop
  • 00:03:38.775 --> 00:03:42.145
  • The airplane.
  • 00:03:42.145 --> 00:03:43.880
  • It was a discontent with having to read by candlelight at night
  • 00:03:43.880 --> 00:03:48.418
  • That motivated thomas edison to invent the light bulb.
  • 00:03:48.418 --> 00:03:52.455
  • It was a dissatisfaction with the condition of the walls
  • 00:03:52.455 --> 00:03:55.792
  • Around jerusalem that led nehemiah into that
  • 00:03:55.792 --> 00:03:58.995
  • Building project.
  • 00:03:58.995 --> 00:04:01.064
  • No, this problem with more is a problem only when it prevents us
  • 00:04:01.064 --> 00:04:06.369
  • From enjoying our present and provokes us into worrying about
  • 00:04:06.369 --> 00:04:10.873
  • Our future.
  • 00:04:10.873 --> 00:04:12.809
  • That's why god doesn't want us to suffer from that affliction
  • 00:04:12.809 --> 00:04:17.647
  • Known as more.
  • 00:04:17.647 --> 00:04:19.716
  • Did you know there is gonna be a time when we don't suffer from
  • 00:04:19.716 --> 00:04:22.218
  • The disease of more?
  • 00:04:22.218 --> 00:04:23.820
  • One day when we experience the fullness of the kingdom of god
  • 00:04:23.820 --> 00:04:27.223
  • Here on earth, guess what, you won't be worrying
  • 00:04:27.223 --> 00:04:29.292
  • About the balance in your 401k retirement plan.
  • 00:04:29.292 --> 00:04:32.862
  • You won't be envious of those who have bigger mansions.
  • 00:04:32.862 --> 00:04:35.932
  • You will be completely satisfied with everything that god has
  • 00:04:35.932 --> 00:04:39.369
  • Given you.
  • 00:04:39.369 --> 00:04:40.737
  • But here's the good news.
  • 00:04:40.737 --> 00:04:42.071
  • You don't have to wait until you die to experience
  • 00:04:42.071 --> 00:04:44.173
  • That satisfaction.
  • 00:04:44.173 --> 00:04:46.042
  • Remember, we've said that the kingdom of god exists right now
  • 00:04:46.042 --> 00:04:49.979
  • In the hearts of those who allow christ to have the final say in
  • 00:04:49.979 --> 00:04:53.983
  • His life, and those who submit to the rule of christ can have
  • 00:04:53.983 --> 00:04:57.854
  • That satisfaction right now.
  • 00:04:57.854 --> 00:05:00.923
  • How is that possible?
  • 00:05:00.923 --> 00:05:02.859
  • Well, the antidote to more is not less.
  • 00:05:02.859 --> 00:05:07.663
  • No, the problem of more is solved by a simple word called
  • 00:05:07.663 --> 00:05:13.403
  • Contentment, and today we're going to discover that being
  • 00:05:13.403 --> 00:05:17.306
  • Content with what god has already provided you is one of
  • 00:05:17.306 --> 00:05:21.444
  • The marks of a true disciple of jesus christ.
  • 00:05:21.444 --> 00:05:26.783
  • Let me talk to you about, first of all, what we're meaning when
  • 00:05:26.783 --> 00:05:29.519
  • We talk about contentment.
  • 00:05:29.519 --> 00:05:32.054
  • Contentment comes from a word that literally
  • 00:05:32.054 --> 00:05:34.624
  • Means containment.
  • 00:05:34.624 --> 00:05:36.692
  • A person who doesn't look outwardly, but looks inwardly
  • 00:05:36.692 --> 00:05:40.863
  • For his satisfaction in life.
  • 00:05:40.863 --> 00:05:43.032
  • And of course that satisfaction for a christian is that
  • 00:05:43.032 --> 00:05:46.803
  • Relationship with jesus christ.
  • 00:05:46.803 --> 00:05:48.838
  • You see, a content person is somebody who doesn't tie his
  • 00:05:48.838 --> 00:05:52.909
  • Happiness to the dow jones industrial average or to the
  • 00:05:52.909 --> 00:05:57.346
  • Square footage of his house or to the type of automobile he
  • 00:05:57.346 --> 00:06:00.783
  • Drives or to his position on the company's
  • 00:06:00.783 --> 00:06:03.719
  • Organizational chart.
  • 00:06:03.719 --> 00:06:05.388
  • He has learned how to be satisfied through his
  • 00:06:05.388 --> 00:06:08.224
  • Relationship with christ.
  • 00:06:08.224 --> 00:06:10.359
  • Now, is that really possible?
  • 00:06:10.359 --> 00:06:12.128
  • Is it really possible to live with that satisfaction with what
  • 00:06:12.128 --> 00:06:16.432
  • God has already done for you?
  • 00:06:16.432 --> 00:06:18.201
  • You know, there are two great illustrations in the bible of
  • 00:06:18.201 --> 00:06:21.170
  • Contentment that teach us two different lessons
  • 00:06:21.170 --> 00:06:23.906
  • About contentment.
  • 00:06:23.906 --> 00:06:25.475
  • First of all, when you look at jesus, his life reminds us that
  • 00:06:25.475 --> 00:06:28.845
  • Contentment really is possible in this life.
  • 00:06:28.845 --> 00:06:32.748
  • Think for a moment about jesus's external circumstances.
  • 00:06:32.748 --> 00:06:37.153
  • First of all, he had no financial cushion on which
  • 00:06:37.153 --> 00:06:41.123
  • To rest.
  • 00:06:41.123 --> 00:06:42.458
  • In fact, he had no cushion, literally, on which to lay
  • 00:06:42.458 --> 00:06:44.227
  • His head.
  • 00:06:44.227 --> 00:06:45.595
  • In matthew 8:20, jesus said, "'the foxes have holes, and the
  • 00:06:45.595 --> 00:06:48.831
  • Birds of the air have nests; but the son of man has nowhere to
  • 00:06:48.831 --> 00:06:52.735
  • Lay his head.'"
  • 00:06:52.735 --> 00:06:54.537
  • Not only did he lack financial cushion, but the bible says he
  • 00:06:54.537 --> 00:06:58.341
  • Was constantly dogged by his critics.
  • 00:06:58.341 --> 00:07:02.111
  • If he lived today, probably be he was constantly blogged by his
  • 00:07:02.111 --> 00:07:05.481
  • Critics, but he had people after him all the time.
  • 00:07:05.481 --> 00:07:08.518
  • Not only enemies, but his families and his friends forsook
  • 00:07:08.518 --> 00:07:11.854
  • Him, and yet, in john 17:13, in the garden of gethsemane, as he
  • 00:07:11.854 --> 00:07:17.894
  • Prayed and faced within hours of crucifixion, look at what he
  • 00:07:17.894 --> 00:07:21.797
  • Prayed to god, his heavenly father.
  • 00:07:21.797 --> 00:07:23.966
  • He said, "'but now i come to thee; and these things i speak
  • 00:07:23.966 --> 00:07:28.571
  • In the world, that they may have my joy made full
  • 00:07:28.571 --> 00:07:33.142
  • In themselves.'"
  • 00:07:33.142 --> 00:07:34.744
  • That's the prayer that jesus was praying for you and for me, and
  • 00:07:34.744 --> 00:07:38.214
  • All of his followers.
  • 00:07:38.214 --> 00:07:39.815
  • What he was saying was: i want them, my followers, to have the
  • 00:07:39.815 --> 00:07:43.986
  • Same joy, not that i will have one day, but the joy i have
  • 00:07:43.986 --> 00:07:49.292
  • Right now.
  • 00:07:49.292 --> 00:07:51.027
  • Joy in the midst of the garden, facing his crucifixion.
  • 00:07:51.027 --> 00:07:55.431
  • Jesus teaches us that contentment is possible.
  • 00:07:55.431 --> 00:07:59.268
  • But secondly, in the life of the apostle paul, we learn that
  • 00:07:59.268 --> 00:08:03.205
  • Contentment has to be learned.
  • 00:08:03.205 --> 00:08:06.475
  • Contentment has to be learned.
  • 00:08:06.475 --> 00:08:08.911
  • Now remember, when paul wrote this letter to the philippians,
  • 00:08:08.911 --> 00:08:11.681
  • Remember where he was?
  • 00:08:11.681 --> 00:08:13.082
  • Remember his circumstances?
  • 00:08:13.082 --> 00:08:15.051
  • He wasn't on the riviera sipping a piña colada.
  • 00:08:15.051 --> 00:08:19.088
  • He was in prison facing what could have been his death.
  • 00:08:19.088 --> 00:08:23.359
  • He was waiting for the verdict to come down.
  • 00:08:23.359 --> 00:08:25.561
  • Guilty, not guilty; life, death.
  • 00:08:25.561 --> 00:08:28.864
  • And that was bad enough, but in addition to that, he had
  • 00:08:28.864 --> 00:08:32.401
  • Received words that the churches he had founded and poured his
  • 00:08:32.401 --> 00:08:35.338
  • Life into were now being invaded by false teachers.
  • 00:08:35.338 --> 00:08:39.008
  • And if that were not enough, his critics were having a heyday
  • 00:08:39.008 --> 00:08:42.812
  • With his imprisonment, saying things like, "well, if paul were
  • 00:08:42.812 --> 00:08:45.748
  • Really a man of god, he wouldn't be going through this."
  • 00:08:45.748 --> 00:08:48.651
  • And yet, in spite of all those circumstances, philippians 4
  • 00:08:48.651 --> 00:08:51.854
  • Verse 4, he says, "rejoice in the lord always; again, i
  • 00:08:51.854 --> 00:08:56.659
  • Say rejoice!"
  • 00:08:56.659 --> 00:08:57.994
  • How could he say that?
  • 00:08:57.994 --> 00:08:59.595
  • If you know anything about paul, you know he was not a
  • 00:08:59.595 --> 00:09:01.597
  • Natural-born optimist.
  • 00:09:01.597 --> 00:09:03.966
  • He was no pollyanna.
  • 00:09:03.966 --> 00:09:05.301
  • He said, in verse 11, "for i have learned to be content in
  • 00:09:05.301 --> 00:09:10.940
  • Whatever circumstances i am."
  • 00:09:10.940 --> 00:09:12.808
  • Paul had to learn how to be content.
  • 00:09:12.808 --> 00:09:17.346
  • You know, the fact is contentment is not a part of
  • 00:09:17.346 --> 00:09:21.050
  • Our dna.
  • 00:09:21.050 --> 00:09:22.551
  • We don't naturally feel content.
  • 00:09:22.551 --> 00:09:25.655
  • In fact, it's discontent that is a part of our dna, and we got it
  • 00:09:25.655 --> 00:09:30.192
  • All the way back, you can trace it to our original parents, adam
  • 00:09:30.192 --> 00:09:34.063
  • And eve.
  • 00:09:34.063 --> 00:09:35.431
  • In matthew 11, verse 28, jesus said, "'come to me, all you who
  • 00:09:35.431 --> 00:09:40.269
  • Are weary and heavy-laden, and i will give you rest.'"
  • 00:09:40.269 --> 00:09:45.441
  • If you're tired of running, chasing after things that you
  • 00:09:45.441 --> 00:09:48.844
  • Think will make you happy, only to be disappointed, the secret
  • 00:09:48.844 --> 00:09:53.015
  • Is contentment.
  • 00:09:53.015 --> 00:09:56.052
  • What is the heart of a contented heart?
  • 00:09:56.052 --> 00:09:58.854
  • Well, it's the belief that god has already provided to me
  • 00:09:58.854 --> 00:10:03.926
  • Everything i need to be satisfied in life.
  • 00:10:03.926 --> 00:10:06.429
  • That's what contentment is.
  • 00:10:06.429 --> 00:10:07.797
  • It is the conviction that god has already provided to me
  • 00:10:07.797 --> 00:10:11.467
  • Everything that i need to be satisfied in life.
  • 00:10:11.467 --> 00:10:15.705
  • And that conviction leads to three tangible benefits.
  • 00:10:15.705 --> 00:10:19.875
  • I want you to jot these down, three practical benefits of
  • 00:10:19.875 --> 00:10:23.746
  • Developing a content heart.
  • 00:10:23.746 --> 00:10:26.015
  • First of all, contentment allows you to enjoy where we are,
  • 00:10:26.015 --> 00:10:30.986
  • Rather than where we want to be.
  • 00:10:30.986 --> 00:10:33.089
  • When we are content, we're able to enjoy where we are, rather
  • 00:10:33.089 --> 00:10:36.592
  • Than where we want to be.
  • 00:10:36.592 --> 00:10:38.894
  • You know, all of us suffers from what i call
  • 00:10:38.894 --> 00:10:41.864
  • Destination sickness.
  • 00:10:41.864 --> 00:10:44.033
  • You know what destination sickness is?
  • 00:10:44.033 --> 00:10:45.935
  • It's that idea, when we get to a certain place, then we can
  • 00:10:45.935 --> 00:10:51.373
  • Really be happy.
  • 00:10:51.373 --> 00:10:54.810
  • Robert hastings has pointed out the futility of that kind of
  • 00:10:54.810 --> 00:11:00.282
  • Belief in his great work called "the station."
  • 00:11:00.282 --> 00:11:03.919
  • Listen to this carefully.
  • 00:11:03.919 --> 00:11:05.254
  • This is worth the price of the sermon this morning.
  • 00:11:05.254 --> 00:11:08.390
  • He said, "tucked away in our subconscious is an
  • 00:11:08.390 --> 00:11:12.828
  • Idyllic vision.
  • 00:11:12.828 --> 00:11:14.997
  • We see ourselves on a long trip that spans the continent.
  • 00:11:14.997 --> 00:11:19.235
  • We are traveling by train.
  • 00:11:19.235 --> 00:11:21.670
  • Out the windows, we drink in the passing scene of cars on nearby
  • 00:11:21.670 --> 00:11:26.342
  • Highways, of children waving at a crossing, of cattle grazing on
  • 00:11:26.342 --> 00:11:31.280
  • A distant hillside, but uppermost in our minds is the
  • 00:11:31.280 --> 00:11:35.684
  • Final destination.
  • 00:11:35.684 --> 00:11:37.953
  • On a certain day, at a certain hour, we will pull into
  • 00:11:37.953 --> 00:11:41.624
  • The station.
  • 00:11:41.624 --> 00:11:42.992
  • Bands will be playing and flags will be waving.
  • 00:11:42.992 --> 00:11:46.862
  • Once we get there, so many wonderful dreams will come true,
  • 00:11:46.862 --> 00:11:51.133
  • And the pieces of our lives will fit together like a completed
  • 00:11:51.133 --> 00:11:54.937
  • Jigsaw puzzle.
  • 00:11:54.937 --> 00:11:56.872
  • How restlessly we pace the aisles, damning the minutes for
  • 00:11:56.872 --> 00:12:01.544
  • Loitering, waiting, waiting, waiting for the station.
  • 00:12:01.544 --> 00:12:08.484
  • 'when we reach the station, that will be it,' we cry.
  • 00:12:08.484 --> 00:12:12.087
  • 'when i turn 18!
  • 00:12:12.087 --> 00:12:14.123
  • When i buy a new 450 mercedes benz!
  • 00:12:14.123 --> 00:12:17.993
  • When i put the last kid through college!
  • 00:12:17.993 --> 00:12:20.596
  • When i have paid off the mortgage!
  • 00:12:20.596 --> 00:12:22.765
  • When i get a promotion!
  • 00:12:22.765 --> 00:12:24.700
  • When i reach the age of retirement, i shall live happily
  • 00:12:24.700 --> 00:12:28.370
  • After that!'
  • 00:12:28.370 --> 00:12:30.639
  • Sooner or later we must realize there is not a station.
  • 00:12:30.639 --> 00:12:35.845
  • No place to arrive at once and for all.
  • 00:12:35.845 --> 00:12:40.182
  • The true joy of life is the trip.
  • 00:12:40.182 --> 00:12:44.453
  • The station is only a dream.
  • 00:12:44.453 --> 00:12:47.189
  • It constantly outdistances us."
  • 00:12:47.189 --> 00:12:51.026
  • Contentment allows us to enjoy where we are, rather than where
  • 00:12:51.026 --> 00:12:55.698
  • We dream of being one day.
  • 00:12:55.698 --> 00:12:58.734
  • Secondly, contentment allows us to appreciate, rather than
  • 00:12:58.734 --> 00:13:03.472
  • Resent other people.
  • 00:13:03.472 --> 00:13:05.975
  • It allows us to appreciate, rather than resent other people.
  • 00:13:05.975 --> 00:13:09.812
  • James said that in james 4, verse 1.
  • 00:13:09.812 --> 00:13:11.814
  • He said, "what is the source of quarrels
  • 00:13:11.814 --> 00:13:14.850
  • And conflicts among you?"
  • 00:13:14.850 --> 00:13:17.786
  • Said look at the conflicts you're having with other people.
  • 00:13:17.786 --> 00:13:21.056
  • What is the real source of those conflicts?
  • 00:13:21.056 --> 00:13:23.792
  • And then he answers his own question, "is not the source
  • 00:13:23.792 --> 00:13:27.129
  • Your pleasures," that is your desires, "that wage war in the
  • 00:13:27.129 --> 00:13:31.000
  • Members of your own body?
  • 00:13:31.000 --> 00:13:33.168
  • You lust and you don't have; so you commit murder."
  • 00:13:33.168 --> 00:13:38.007
  • Sometimes chasing for that thing we don't have leads to our
  • 00:13:38.007 --> 00:13:41.677
  • Actually taking somebody else's life or taking
  • 00:13:41.677 --> 00:13:44.179
  • Their possessions.
  • 00:13:44.179 --> 00:13:45.748
  • Other times it's more subtle than that.
  • 00:13:45.748 --> 00:13:47.883
  • He said, "you are envious and cannot obtain; so you fight and
  • 00:13:47.883 --> 00:13:51.954
  • You quarrel."
  • 00:13:51.954 --> 00:13:54.356
  • Think for a moment about the person that you love
  • 00:13:54.356 --> 00:13:58.661
  • To criticize.
  • 00:13:58.661 --> 00:14:00.029
  • You're always talking about them behind their back.
  • 00:14:00.029 --> 00:14:02.064
  • You have ill feelings about them.
  • 00:14:02.064 --> 00:14:04.533
  • Isn't it true that many times at the root of your conflict with
  • 00:14:04.533 --> 00:14:08.370
  • Them is you're envious of something they have that you
  • 00:14:08.370 --> 00:14:11.640
  • Don't have.
  • 00:14:11.640 --> 00:14:13.175
  • It's the source of many of our problems.
  • 00:14:13.175 --> 00:14:16.245
  • It's the conflicts that we have with other people.
  • 00:14:16.245 --> 00:14:19.214
  • The bible says we will never be able to appreciate other people
  • 00:14:19.214 --> 00:14:23.619
  • Until we have this feeling of contentment.
  • 00:14:23.619 --> 00:14:27.556
  • Contentment allows you to appreciate, rather than
  • 00:14:27.556 --> 00:14:30.626
  • Resent others.
  • 00:14:30.626 --> 00:14:31.994
  • Thirdly, a benefit of contentment, it allows us to
  • 00:14:31.994 --> 00:14:36.732
  • Enhance rather than diminish god's reputation.
  • 00:14:36.732 --> 00:14:40.369
  • When we're truly content, we are enhancing, rather than
  • 00:14:40.369 --> 00:14:44.173
  • Diminishing god's reputation.
  • 00:14:44.173 --> 00:14:45.641
  • Let me explain what i mean with that.
  • 00:14:45.641 --> 00:14:47.609
  • Let's just imagine that a teacher overhears your child at
  • 00:14:47.609 --> 00:14:52.781
  • School say to a friend, "oh, my house.
  • 00:14:52.781 --> 00:14:55.451
  • It is just terrible, my home situation.
  • 00:14:55.451 --> 00:14:57.886
  • There are rats running around everywhere.
  • 00:14:57.886 --> 00:15:00.956
  • And not only that, every night we go to bed hungry.
  • 00:15:00.956 --> 00:15:04.893
  • And not only that, our parents are out partying all night.
  • 00:15:04.893 --> 00:15:08.397
  • It's just a terrible home to live in."
  • 00:15:08.397 --> 00:15:11.333
  • And the teacher overhears your child saying that, and so
  • 00:15:11.333 --> 00:15:14.103
  • Immediately calls child protective services to
  • 00:15:14.103 --> 00:15:17.006
  • Investigate the matter.
  • 00:15:17.006 --> 00:15:18.540
  • One day you're at home and you hear a knock at the door.
  • 00:15:18.540 --> 00:15:21.477
  • You open the door, and there's the cps person there, and
  • 00:15:21.477 --> 00:15:24.513
  • Explaining that there's been a complaint, and what the
  • 00:15:24.513 --> 00:15:26.882
  • Complaint has been about your home, and so you usher that cps
  • 00:15:26.882 --> 00:15:30.886
  • Agent in, and she looks around, and your house is immaculate.
  • 00:15:30.886 --> 00:15:34.957
  • She checks the pantry and it's full of food.
  • 00:15:34.957 --> 00:15:37.860
  • And not only that, she reasons
  • 00:15:37.860 --> 00:15:39.628
  • That you're a respectable parent.
  • 00:15:39.628 --> 00:15:40.963
  • She said, "well, let me tell you why i said this, your child said
  • 00:15:40.963 --> 00:15:44.166
  • This and this and this and this."
  • 00:15:44.166 --> 00:15:46.635
  • What do you think your attitude is gonna be towards your child,
  • 00:15:46.635 --> 00:15:49.204
  • And what are you gonna do to them after that agent leaves?
  • 00:15:49.204 --> 00:15:53.042
  • Probably something that's worthy of cps coming in
  • 00:15:53.042 --> 00:15:55.778
  • And intervening.
  • 00:15:55.778 --> 00:15:58.147
  • I mean, your child has trashed you for no reason at all.
  • 00:15:58.147 --> 00:16:02.351
  • Your child has destroyed your reputation.
  • 00:16:02.351 --> 00:16:06.355
  • And what i'm saying to you is, we do the same thing with god's
  • 00:16:06.355 --> 00:16:09.792
  • Reputation when we complain to other people about what we don't
  • 00:16:09.792 --> 00:16:14.196
  • Have and what god hasn't given to us.
  • 00:16:14.196 --> 00:16:16.932
  • Listen to jesus's words in matthew 6, verses 31 and 32.
  • 00:16:16.932 --> 00:16:20.769
  • He said, "'don't be anxious then, saying, "what shall
  • 00:16:20.769 --> 00:16:23.906
  • We eat?"
  • 00:16:23.906 --> 00:16:25.274
  • Or "what shall we drink?"
  • 00:16:25.274 --> 00:16:26.608
  • "with what shall we clothe ourselves?"
  • 00:16:26.608 --> 00:16:28.043
  • For all of these things the gentiles eagerly seek.
  • 00:16:28.043 --> 00:16:32.815
  • But your heavenly father knows that you have need of all
  • 00:16:32.815 --> 00:16:35.617
  • These things.'"
  • 00:16:35.617 --> 00:16:37.119
  • What jesus is saying is, unbelievers have every right to
  • 00:16:37.119 --> 00:16:40.756
  • Worry about their food and their clothing and somebody taking
  • 00:16:40.756 --> 00:16:44.393
  • Care of them, because they don't have a heavenly father, but
  • 00:16:44.393 --> 00:16:47.629
  • You do.
  • 00:16:47.629 --> 00:16:48.964
  • He's going to take care of you.
  • 00:16:48.964 --> 00:16:50.866
  • Don't be like they are.
  • 00:16:50.866 --> 00:16:53.368
  • You see, you and i are a living advertisement for god
  • 00:16:53.368 --> 00:16:57.139
  • The father, and if we're always complaining to people
  • 00:16:57.139 --> 00:17:00.109
  • About what we don't have, if we're chasing after the same
  • 00:17:00.109 --> 00:17:03.011
  • Things they're chasing after to find satisfaction in life, we
  • 00:17:03.011 --> 00:17:06.415
  • Are a poor advertisement for what it means to be
  • 00:17:06.415 --> 00:17:10.152
  • A follower of god.
  • 00:17:10.152 --> 00:17:12.054
  • If people look at our lives and don't see any difference with
  • 00:17:12.054 --> 00:17:15.524
  • Their own lives, they'll say, "thanks, but no thanks to what
  • 00:17:15.524 --> 00:17:18.694
  • You're offering me today."
  • 00:17:18.694 --> 00:17:21.296
  • Contentment allows us to enhance, rather than diminish
  • 00:17:21.296 --> 00:17:25.601
  • God's reputation.
  • 00:17:25.601 --> 00:17:28.070
  • Well, how do we do that?
  • 00:17:28.070 --> 00:17:29.438
  • Remember, paul said it doesn't come naturally.
  • 00:17:29.438 --> 00:17:31.206
  • We have to learn the secret of contentment.
  • 00:17:31.206 --> 00:17:35.277
  • Let me today, in the few moments we have left, just share with
  • 00:17:35.277 --> 00:17:38.147
  • You two practical ways to learn that secret of contentment.
  • 00:17:38.147 --> 00:17:44.920
  • First of all, make it a habit to regularly express gratitude
  • 00:17:44.920 --> 00:17:50.259
  • To god.
  • 00:17:50.259 --> 00:17:51.627
  • Regularly express gratitude to god.
  • 00:17:51.627 --> 00:17:53.996
  • You know, just as light and darkness cannot exist together,
  • 00:17:53.996 --> 00:17:58.066
  • One will expel the other.
  • 00:17:58.066 --> 00:17:59.668
  • Light will either extinguish darkness, or darkness will
  • 00:17:59.668 --> 00:18:02.704
  • Extinguish light, but you can't have light and
  • 00:18:02.704 --> 00:18:04.706
  • Darkness together.
  • 00:18:04.706 --> 00:18:06.308
  • The same is true with contentment.
  • 00:18:06.308 --> 00:18:08.143
  • It is impossible for discontent and gratitude to exist in the
  • 00:18:08.143 --> 00:18:14.049
  • Same heart.
  • 00:18:14.049 --> 00:18:15.384
  • Did you know that?
  • 00:18:15.384 --> 00:18:16.752
  • You can't be discontent and grateful at the same time.
  • 00:18:16.752 --> 00:18:21.890
  • Discontent will extinguish gratitude, or gratitude will
  • 00:18:21.890 --> 00:18:26.328
  • Extinguish your discontent.
  • 00:18:26.328 --> 00:18:29.064
  • Secondly, how do you develop contentment?
  • 00:18:29.064 --> 00:18:32.067
  • Adopt a life purpose that is bigger than yourself.
  • 00:18:32.067 --> 00:18:38.574
  • Address a life purpose that is bigger than yourself.
  • 00:18:38.574 --> 00:18:40.943
  • You know, there was a time in paul's life when he struggled
  • 00:18:40.943 --> 00:18:44.079
  • With contentment.
  • 00:18:44.079 --> 00:18:45.814
  • There was a time he was trying to be the hebrew of the hebrews.
  • 00:18:45.814 --> 00:18:49.184
  • He was trying to rise up the ranks of the pharisaical
  • 00:18:49.184 --> 00:18:52.454
  • Organizational chart, but all of that desire for more changed the
  • 00:18:52.454 --> 00:18:56.758
  • Moment he met jesus on the road to damascus.
  • 00:18:56.758 --> 00:19:00.028
  • Remember what he said in philippians 3:7 and 8, "but
  • 00:19:00.028 --> 00:19:02.831
  • Whatever things had been gained to me, those things i now
  • 00:19:02.831 --> 00:19:06.935
  • Counted as loss for the sake of christ.
  • 00:19:06.935 --> 00:19:10.005
  • More than that, i count all things to be loss in view of the
  • 00:19:10.005 --> 00:19:13.709
  • Surpassing value of knowing christ jesus my lord, for whom
  • 00:19:13.709 --> 00:19:18.513
  • I've suffered the loss of all things, and i count them but
  • 00:19:18.513 --> 00:19:21.683
  • Rubbish in order that i may gain christ."
  • 00:19:21.683 --> 00:19:26.088
  • Again, remember paul was in prison facing his death when he
  • 00:19:26.088 --> 00:19:30.259
  • Said that.
  • 00:19:30.259 --> 00:19:31.893
  • So how did he view his life now?
  • 00:19:31.893 --> 00:19:35.163
  • In philippians 1, beginning with verse 12, he said, "now i want
  • 00:19:35.163 --> 00:19:39.468
  • You to know, brethren, that my circumstances," being in prison,
  • 00:19:39.468 --> 00:19:44.573
  • Facing execution, having my reputation slandered, all of
  • 00:19:44.573 --> 00:19:48.543
  • These things, i want you to know "that my circumstances have
  • 00:19:48.543 --> 00:19:51.947
  • Turned out for the greater progress of the gospel, so that
  • 00:19:51.947 --> 00:19:55.784
  • My imprisonment and the cause of christ has become well known
  • 00:19:55.784 --> 00:19:59.454
  • Throughout the whole praetorian guard and to everyone else, and
  • 00:19:59.454 --> 00:20:03.091
  • That most of the brethren, trusting in the lord because of
  • 00:20:03.091 --> 00:20:05.727
  • My imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of god
  • 00:20:05.727 --> 00:20:10.265
  • Without fear."
  • 00:20:10.265 --> 00:20:11.633
  • I rejoice in this situation.
  • 00:20:11.633 --> 00:20:13.902
  • Now, let me tell you something, folks.
  • 00:20:13.902 --> 00:20:16.171
  • If paul's life purpose had been that of most christians today,
  • 00:20:16.171 --> 00:20:21.576
  • Then his imprisonment would have been a tremendous tragedy.
  • 00:20:21.576 --> 00:20:25.847
  • But paul had a purpose in life bigger than himself.
  • 00:20:25.847 --> 00:20:29.918
  • He knew that god had left him, just as he's left me and you
  • 00:20:29.918 --> 00:20:33.889
  • Here for one reason, and that is to share christ with as many
  • 00:20:33.889 --> 00:20:37.959
  • People as possible, and that purpose gave him a whole new
  • 00:20:37.959 --> 00:20:41.563
  • Prism through which to view his present circumstances, his
  • 00:20:41.563 --> 00:20:45.600
  • Hard circumstances.
  • 00:20:45.600 --> 00:20:47.369
  • He said, "i'm rejoicing because i'm getting a chance to fulfill
  • 00:20:47.369 --> 00:20:51.306
  • My life purpose."
  • 00:20:51.306 --> 00:20:52.808
  • Paul's words here remind me of a pastor who had been arrested for
  • 00:20:52.808 --> 00:20:57.245
  • Preaching the gospel in romania, and this pastor had been
  • 00:20:57.245 --> 00:21:01.149
  • Sentenced to the harshest punishment available under
  • 00:21:01.149 --> 00:21:05.087
  • Romanian law.
  • 00:21:05.087 --> 00:21:07.089
  • He was sentenced to be an exterminator.
  • 00:21:07.089 --> 00:21:10.926
  • He would have to spend the rest of his years being an
  • 00:21:10.926 --> 00:21:13.695
  • Exterminator, but instead of being depressed about
  • 00:21:13.695 --> 00:21:16.631
  • It, he rejoiced, you know why?
  • 00:21:16.631 --> 00:21:17.966
  • The pastor said, "as i go from house to house killing rats, i
  • 00:21:17.966 --> 00:21:23.538
  • Get the ability to share the gospel with all of these
  • 00:21:23.538 --> 00:21:26.808
  • Different houses in the country where people don't know christ."
  • 00:21:26.808 --> 00:21:30.645
  • That's what the apostle paul is saying.
  • 00:21:30.645 --> 00:21:32.647
  • Adopting a purpose bigger than yourself is the key to
  • 00:21:32.647 --> 00:21:36.918
  • Contentment in your present situations.
  • 00:21:36.918 --> 00:21:40.288
  • You know, somebody has written, "if for me to live is money,
  • 00:21:40.288 --> 00:21:44.493
  • Then to die is to leave it all behind.
  • 00:21:44.493 --> 00:21:47.863
  • If for me to live is fame, then to die is to be
  • 00:21:47.863 --> 00:21:51.466
  • Quickly forgotten.
  • 00:21:51.466 --> 00:21:53.402
  • But if for me to live is christ, then to die is gain."
  • 00:21:53.402 --> 00:22:00.208
  • That attitude, those words can only be penned by somebody who
  • 00:22:00.208 --> 00:22:05.680
  • Has learned the secret of developing a content heart.
  • 00:22:05.680 --> 00:22:11.119
  • ♪♪♪
  • 00:22:11.119 --> 00:22:16.525
  • Jeffress: god has already provided us with everything we
  • 00:22:16.525 --> 00:22:19.327
  • Need to be satisfied.
  • 00:22:19.327 --> 00:22:21.329
  • It's truly up to us.
  • 00:22:21.329 --> 00:22:23.698
  • In paul's letter, god has revealed the secrets for
  • 00:22:23.698 --> 00:22:26.568
  • Personal contentment.
  • 00:22:26.568 --> 00:22:28.603
  • Well, nothing brings more joy to our team at pathway to victory
  • 00:22:28.603 --> 00:22:33.208
  • Than hearing how god is using this program to bring men and
  • 00:22:33.208 --> 00:22:36.678
  • Women into the family of god.
  • 00:22:36.678 --> 00:22:39.047
  • And if you're among those who support pathway to victory,
  • 00:22:39.047 --> 00:22:42.417
  • Let me assure you that your generosity is changing lives.
  • 00:22:42.417 --> 00:22:47.222
  • Recently i heard from susan in connecticut, who wrote, "i
  • 00:22:47.222 --> 00:22:50.959
  • Listen to "pathway to victory" on my lunch
  • 00:22:50.959 --> 00:22:52.894
  • Break at work.
  • 00:22:52.894 --> 00:22:54.529
  • The messages strengthen me and help me stay
  • 00:22:54.529 --> 00:22:56.898
  • Grounded in truth.
  • 00:22:56.898 --> 00:22:58.700
  • Your teaching upholds spiritual integrity that's
  • 00:22:58.700 --> 00:23:01.603
  • Sorely missing in today's world.
  • 00:23:01.603 --> 00:23:04.506
  • We often grasp at empty things in this culture, but
  • 00:23:04.506 --> 00:23:07.676
  • Your program reminds me who god is and how he calls
  • 00:23:07.676 --> 00:23:11.413
  • Us to live.
  • 00:23:11.413 --> 00:23:12.981
  • Thank you for staying faithful to the gospel."
  • 00:23:12.981 --> 00:23:16.318
  • This woman thanked me, but her gratitude also extends to anyone
  • 00:23:16.318 --> 00:23:20.856
  • Who supports pathway to victory, especially our
  • 00:23:20.856 --> 00:23:24.292
  • Pathway partners.
  • 00:23:24.292 --> 00:23:25.961
  • We couldn't possibly accomplish our mission without generous
  • 00:23:25.961 --> 00:23:29.865
  • Friends just like you.
  • 00:23:29.865 --> 00:23:32.067
  • Now, stay right there, i'll be back with more "pathway to
  • 00:23:32.067 --> 00:23:35.003
  • Victory" in just a moment.
  • 00:23:35.003 --> 00:23:37.272
  • Male announcer: we all need god's strength to make it
  • 00:23:39.508 --> 00:23:41.676
  • Through the day.
  • 00:23:41.676 --> 00:23:43.011
  • "encouragement for the heart of a disciple" by dr. robert
  • 00:23:43.011 --> 00:23:45.714
  • Jeffress provides the spiritual refreshment you need.
  • 00:23:45.714 --> 00:23:48.884
  • In a large-print format, every page bursts with breathtaking
  • 00:23:48.884 --> 00:23:52.888
  • Imagery that draws you toward the beauty of god's creation.
  • 00:23:52.888 --> 00:23:56.691
  • Jeffress: i know how challenging it can be to stay connected with
  • 00:23:56.691 --> 00:23:59.794
  • God in our busy lives.
  • 00:23:59.794 --> 00:24:01.630
  • In my new devotional, i provide personal reflections and
  • 00:24:01.630 --> 00:24:05.133
  • Practical insights that will help you experience god's
  • 00:24:05.133 --> 00:24:08.537
  • Presence and encouragement throughout your day.
  • 00:24:08.537 --> 00:24:11.806
  • Announcer: filled with stunning images of creation,
  • 00:24:11.806 --> 00:24:14.142
  • Scripture verses, and prayers you can read in under two
  • 00:24:14.142 --> 00:24:16.978
  • Minutes, this padded hardcover book is the perfect daily
  • 00:24:16.978 --> 00:24:20.482
  • Companion to help refresh your spirit, morning and night.
  • 00:24:20.482 --> 00:24:24.152
  • It also makes a thoughtful gift to encourage
  • 00:24:24.152 --> 00:24:26.321
  • A friend or loved one.
  • 00:24:26.321 --> 00:24:27.656
  • Request your copy of "encouragement for the heart of
  • 00:24:27.656 --> 00:24:30.625
  • A disciple" when you give a generous gift to support the
  • 00:24:30.625 --> 00:24:33.495
  • Ministry of pathway to victory, or when you become a
  • 00:24:33.495 --> 00:24:36.631
  • Pathway partner.
  • 00:24:36.631 --> 00:24:37.999
  • With your ministry gift of $100 or more, we'll send you the
  • 00:24:37.999 --> 00:24:41.903
  • Encouragement resource set, containing the new devotional,
  • 00:24:41.903 --> 00:24:45.240
  • Six clutter-free prayer cards, the "clutter-free christianity"
  • 00:24:45.240 --> 00:24:48.843
  • Book and life application guide, and the "7 marks of a disciple"
  • 00:24:48.843 --> 00:24:52.881
  • Message series on both cd and dvd.
  • 00:24:52.881 --> 00:24:55.917
  • Thank you for supporting pathway to victory.
  • 00:24:55.917 --> 00:24:58.420
  • Your generous partnership helps us impact you and your family
  • 00:24:58.420 --> 00:25:02.023
  • And a nation in deep spiritual need with the transforming truth
  • 00:25:02.023 --> 00:25:06.027
  • Of god's word.
  • 00:25:06.027 --> 00:25:08.063
  • Jeffress: the need to acquire more is an unrelenting master,
  • 00:25:09.331 --> 00:25:13.535
  • But you don't have to wait until heaven to experience
  • 00:25:13.535 --> 00:25:16.004
  • Satisfaction in your circumstances.
  • 00:25:16.004 --> 00:25:19.374
  • The key lies in cultivating a content heart.
  • 00:25:19.374 --> 00:25:23.478
  • Well, there's still much more to cover in our series on the "7
  • 00:25:23.478 --> 00:25:26.381
  • Marks of a disciple," and next time we'll look at mark number
  • 00:25:26.381 --> 00:25:29.818
  • Five: developing a servant's heart.
  • 00:25:29.818 --> 00:25:33.555
  • Jesus often described himself as a servant, and that word
  • 00:25:33.555 --> 00:25:37.859
  • Reflects the attitude that jesus desires to see in all of us who
  • 00:25:37.859 --> 00:25:42.130
  • Choose to be his disciple.
  • 00:25:42.130 --> 00:25:44.299
  • Stay tuned for a preview of what's coming up next in our
  • 00:25:44.299 --> 00:25:47.235
  • Series "7 marks of a disciple."
  • 00:25:47.235 --> 00:25:51.039
  • Jeffress: for even the son of man did not come to be served,
  • 00:25:51.039 --> 00:25:56.845
  • But to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.
  • 00:25:56.845 --> 00:26:01.916
  • Here is jesus who will one day be worshiped by every being in
  • 00:26:01.916 --> 00:26:06.154
  • Heaven, on earth, and under the earth, yet what he wants to be
  • 00:26:06.154 --> 00:26:11.593
  • Remembered for is that he came to serve us.
  • 00:26:11.593 --> 00:26:16.231
  • Male announcer: set your dvr and join us next time for the
  • 00:26:16.231 --> 00:26:18.667
  • Message "developing a servant's heart," here on "pathway
  • 00:26:18.667 --> 00:26:22.237
  • To victory."
  • 00:26:22.237 --> 00:26:23.605
  • Male announcer: step away from your daily routine and immerse
  • 00:26:26.975 --> 00:26:29.678
  • Yourself in god's masterpiece on the pathway to victory cruise
  • 00:26:29.678 --> 00:26:33.081
  • To alaska, june 13 through 20, 2026.
  • 00:26:33.081 --> 00:26:36.818
  • Jeffress: imagine starting each day immersed in god's word, then
  • 00:26:36.818 --> 00:26:40.388
  • Stepping out to witness god's grandeur, from the majestic
  • 00:26:40.388 --> 00:26:43.792
  • Glaciers to soaring eagles.
  • 00:26:43.792 --> 00:26:46.394
  • These moments in god's creation will deepen your faith in
  • 00:26:46.394 --> 00:26:49.964
  • Powerful ways.
  • 00:26:49.964 --> 00:26:51.299
  • Announcer: experience five-star dining, luxurious
  • 00:26:51.299 --> 00:26:53.768
  • Staterooms, and exceptional service while visiting iconic
  • 00:26:53.768 --> 00:26:56.905
  • Ports like juno, ketchikan, and skagway.
  • 00:26:56.905 --> 00:27:00.008
  • Jeffress: we'll explore god's word together against the
  • 00:27:00.008 --> 00:27:02.444
  • Backdrop of his most impressive handiwork.
  • 00:27:02.444 --> 00:27:05.847
  • I promise you'll return home with memories that will last a
  • 00:27:05.847 --> 00:27:09.184
  • Lifetime and a heart renewed by god's presence.
  • 00:27:09.184 --> 00:27:13.354
  • Announcer: to book your spot on the 2026 pathway to
  • 00:27:13.354 --> 00:27:15.957
  • Victory cruise to alaska, call ...
  • 00:27:15.957 --> 00:27:21.162
  • Or go to ptv.org.
  • 00:27:21.162 --> 00:27:23.231
  • ♪♪♪
  • 00:27:23.231 --> 00:27:27.502