The famous fictional race car driver, Ricky Bobby, once said “If you ain’t first, you’re last.” As silly as that statement sounds, most of us believe that to some degree. I would not be too surprised if many of us live with a seemingly constant feeling of inadequacy since we do not “win” at everything. Most of the time we are not the best at whatever we do. Of course, we all strive to do our best, but perfection is not a realistic expectation for ourselves.

Since the Summer Olympics are going on right now, it reminds me of a study that was done several years ago on the perceived joy of people who medaled. It was during the 1992 Barcelona Olympics that researchers analyzed award ceremonies and interviews to see how “happy” the medalists were. The gold medalists seemed the happiest, but the bronze medalists seemed happier than the people who won silver.

I think many of us have the attitude of a silver medalist. We compare ourselves with the person who “won” and fail to appreciate how much we do have. God’s Word speaks to this idea of discontentment in the face of all that we have.

But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction (1 Timothy 6:6-9).

God has given you a lot, be content and worship Him for all of it!