I have a little reminder on my desk, a gift from a dear friend, that says, “Never forget the difference you make.”

This message resonates not just with me but with anyone who needs encouragement. We must do our best to surrender what we cannot change this aligns with the serenity prayer. At the same time, we should strive to accept the good in our lives and recognize the blessings we have, both for ourselves and for others through us. Gratitude is important, and we should share that gratitude by doing kind things for those around us. Show your faith, whether directly or indirectly. Avoid unnecessary conflicts and simply be true to yourself; people will respect you for your authenticity.This is very true: we will never be fully satisfied until we’re satisfied with Christ. We will never be fully satisfied with just enough, or even with more than we need. We cannot afford to feel dissatisfied. Instead, we must consciously choose to cultivate a mindset of contentment.

It’s needed to affirm this daily and agree with the Apostle Paul that contentment is something we can learn. So, what is it? Contentment is a mindset that can be developed. Often, there’s a void in our perception and our egos, and we find that we cannot fulfill our desires for material things. We need to learn to love and stop resisting what we cannot control.

The phrase “the flesh profits nothing” means there’s no hope for salvation or any spiritual insight or gain that can be achieved through human effort.

The Apostle Paul had little good to say about the flesh: “For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out” (Romans 7:18, ESV). Paul urged Christians to “put no confidence in the flesh” (Philippians 3:3). Philippians 4:11-13 New International Version I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.