“I know the experience of being in need and of having more than enough; I have learned the secret to being content in any and every circumstance, whether full or hungry or whether having plenty or being poor. 13 I can endure all these things through the power of the one who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:12-13, CEB).

 

 

The second Noble Truth of Buddhism stipulates that all suffering is caused by wanting. Our cravings as humans lead to discontent. From a Buddhist perspective, desire is the enemy of human happiness.

 

Yet, desire can’t be all that bad. Without desire one wouldn’t have the ambition to push through the rigors of college and graduate with a baccalaureate degree. If it weren’t for the desire to compete, many athletes would fail to excel at their particular sport. Apart from the desire for beauty, many of the great works of art would not have been created.

 

Paul was content because his primary want was God. Every other want he had was subordinate to God. In other words, wanting is a matter of precedence. Jesus encouraged his disciples to seek a right relationship with God first then our most noble desires would be granted to us (see Matthew 6:33).

 

With deference to my Buddhist friends, wanting isn’t the source of all evil. Wanting can be a very good thing when placed in proper order. In fact, wanting can lead to authentic happiness when it is divinely directed.

 

Besides, the life of austerity never has been God’s goal for humanity. God has given to us the pleasures of this world for our enjoyment. The secret to contentment, however, is to never allow the Giver to take a back seat to His gifts.