How Much is Too Much? by Paul Wilson, Jr.

This is a breaking news flash! You need to pay attention very closely. There is a rampant disease running around in our society, affecting the young and old. It sneaks up on you when you least expect it. It causes blindness, anxiety, greed, emotional instability, poor decision making and robs people of their common sense.

The name of this dangerous disease is “discontentus attitudinus,” which translated into English means “attitude of discontentment.” This epidemic has been around for centuries, but it seems to be getting worse with every generation. Our society’s collective drive for more fame, money, technology, food, cars, clothes, toys and other stuff seems to be increasingly insatiable.

How much is too much money? How much is too much fame? How much is too much attention? How much is too much success? How much is too much stuff?

The most significant symptoms of discontentment don’t discriminate. They cross over every racial, religious, political and socio-economic segment of our society. They include:
 Ignoring or discounting the good things happening in your life caused by the drive for always wanting “more”
 Neglecting/rejecting relationships with people that you have lost interest in for someone “better”
 Feeling that you’re somehow inadequate, because of what you don’t have
 Basing decisions on frivolous desires instead of real needs
 Competing with others to maintain a certain status or image
 Financial shackles caused by purchases you can’t afford obtained with credit you can’t afford

The recent death (and life) of Michael Jackson caused me to think about how as a society we glorify excess. His extreme success, which led to his extreme fame also created the environment that led to extreme pressures to maintain a persona that was “worthy” of his extreme fame. It’s amazing that even after seeing the lamentable consequences associated with his level of fame, how many people still clamor for it.

“True godliness with contentment is itself great wealth.” – 1 Timothy 6:6

One reason people are so challenged with discontentment is that they are more focused on getting rather than giving. If more people were as excited about giving as they are about getting, discontentment would be a moot issue.

Fortunately if you have been a victim of “discontentus attitudinus” there is hope for you. The key to your cure is understanding that the value of your living is tied directly to the value of your giving. You can increase the value of your life by investing your time, talents, and treasures into others.

You can’t buy contentment – you have to grow into it.

People who give regularly and enthusiastically usually do so from a heart of gratitude. They sincerely value the things they already have - including their relationships, experiences, and possessions - and desire to share them with others. My dad used to always tell my brothers and sisters that we needed to have an “attitude of gratitude.” Gratitude is genuinely appreciating and getting the most use out of what you already have.

The truth is gratitude and generosity will take you far with God and people. What you will receive in return is far more than what can be measured in this life.

Dream B.I.G.,
Paul Wilson, Jr.

B.I.G. Dreams are coming soon to a mind near you! www.DreamBIGin3D.com

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