He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.

~Ephesians 4:16 NLT

One chose to stay on the farm; the other chose city life. One was satisfied; the other, well… Learning how to be satisfied isn’t the easiest thing in the world.

When my mom was a junior in high school, she chose to leave her family farm and marry my dad. Her new life would take her away from her country upbringing and plant her in cities and rural areas for the remainder of her life. Mom’s sister, however, married a Navy man and chose to build their home next to her parents and remain on the family farm—a place she stayed until her death.

Mom and my aunt sold my grandparents’ old homeplace for a negligible amount—and it seemed the same would happen to my aunt’s home. But her oldest son stepped in and decided he and his wife would make it their retirement home. All the hunting, fishing, and golf he could stand would surround him. Sadly, he died soon thereafter from a heart attack, and the home passed into a stranger’s hands.

I always envied my cousins, growing up with open land all around them. Hunting, fishing, romping through the woods. Having pets wasn’t a problem. Leash laws didn’t exist. Being able to raise chickens, cows, hogs, and anything else they wanted without having to wonder where they’d put them or if the smell would offend the neighbors. They lived a carefree, down-to-earth lifestyle.

Because Mom and Dad chose city and small-town life, I had to endure it as well. Although it has its conveniences, I still miss the open land and the perks of country living.

I’ve also envied those God has used, wishing He’d use me the same way. But Paul reminded the early believers that the church was like a body. Each part has a specific function, and they fit together perfectly. Having one piece out of whack affects the entire body.

Curbing our jealousy is an ongoing lesson God must teach. Instead of envying what God does in other believers’ lives, we should enjoy what He does in ours and rejoice in what He does in others’ lives. We’re not in competition but in cahoots with other believers. Our job is not to fuss and fight but to work together to accomplish God’s work. He gives us unique opportunities and personalities. Even when we share the same gift as another person, we will use it differently.

Rather than envying someone else’s gift, use yours to fulfill God’s plan for you.

Father, thank You for giving me unique gifts and opportunities. Help me to use them faithfully in Your service.

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2026: How to Be Satisfied: Martin Wiles: All Rights Reserved.