1. To understand and compare the differences between needs and wants
2. To discuss the root of discontentment
3. To learn the importance of living a life of contentment

 Luke 12:15 -   “ And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.”

Daniel and His Friends

“The king spake unto Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring certain of the    children of Israel, and of the king's seed, and of the princes; Children in whom was no blemish, but well favoured, and skilful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king's palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans.  And the king appointed them a daily provision of the king's meat, and of the wine which he drank: so nourishing them three years, that at the end thereof they might stand before the king.Now among these were of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah:  Unto whom the prince of the eunuchs gave names: for he gave unto Daniel the name of Belteshazzar; and to Hananiah, of Shadrach; and to Mishael, of Meshach; and to Azariah, of Abednego.  But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself” (Daniel 1:3-8).

The city of Jerusalem was captured by Nebuchadnezzar’s armies, and all the inhabitants became captives of Babylon.  Among the children of Israel who were carried captive to Babylon was Daniel and his three companions, worshippers of the true God.  Nebuchadnezzar sought these young men to be schooled in the Babylonian way of life so that they could effectively serve his empire.  “In choosing the type of young men he sought, Nebuchadnezzar asked for the three things the world considers most important: good looks, intelligence, and great social grace.  However, the Bible tells us that the attributes God considers most worthy are honesty, integrity, and loyalty — and Daniel and his friends possessed them all” (Cox, 2013).

Daniel was expected to partake daily of a diet that was foreign to him — one that consisted of wine and meat.  However, Daniel was content with a very simple diet that was ordained by God.  He proposed to Melzar, the prince, who was set over him and his companions to let them retain their vegetarian diet for ten days.  “Then let our countenances be looked upon before thee, and the countenance of the children that eat of the portion of the king's meat: and as thou seest, deal with thy servants,” said Daniel (Daniel 1:13).

Though Melzar feared his life for complying with Daniel’s request, he consented to the plan, and “proved them ten days.   And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king's meat” (Daniel 1:14, 15).  As a result, Melzar did not enforce the king’s diet, but rather allowed the young men to maintain a simple diet.

These young men, perhaps, knew that food from the king’s table would impact them physically, mentally and spiritually.  Of a certainty, though, they wanted to honor God and not be compelled to depart from His health principles.  They would do what duty demanded and remain true to God.  The book, Prophets and Kings states that “in physical strength . . . in mental vigor and literary attainment” there was none like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah (Cox, 2013).

1.  “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31).  What is this Bible verse saying?
2. Think about some of the things you eat and drink, the amount you consume, as well as how frequent you do so.   What  lifestyle decisions can you make today for the sake of health?
3. The first of the Three Angels Message, the last message to be given to the world before Jesus returns,  calls us to “Fear God and give glory to him” (Revelation 14: 7).  How can you fear (reverence) God in light of the fact that your body is the temple of God?
4. Before being captives in Babylon, the Hebrew young men — Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah — were taught not to eat food offered to a pagan god.   What could you do or say if you were offered food or drink that you know would not glorify God by  accepting it?
5. Jesus gained the victory over appetite in the wilderness to show us the sinfulness of the very things we sometimes find pleasurable, and to assure us that we also have the chance to overcome (See Matthew 4:3, 4).

Write a statement that reflects that you have a perfect Example in the Person of Jesus to claim the victory over a bad habit.

Example:  I will give up eating candies with the help of Jesus.                       ______________________________________________________________

Write a statement that reflects a good habit that you desire.

Example:  I will drink more water because it is good for health, trusting in Jesus’ help.

_______________________________________________________________

6. How can you, like Daniel and his companions, be content not only with a simple diet, but also with the simple things in life?
7.   Babylon was not the best environment for the Hebrews, just as Nazareth, where  Jesus grew up, was not a place most parents would choose to raise their children.  Though your current family may look a bit different from that of others, name five things about your family at school that you appreciate. ___________________________________________________________

When children are in the womb, they are safe, fed, and content. The sounds around them are muffled, thus they are unaware of anything they could possibly desire more than what they have.  However, the day babies are born, while everyone joyfully welcomes their cry, they begin to express their needs, wants, and discontent.

Discontent is a spirit from the enemy that makes individuals dissatisfied with life and robs them of their happiness. It is stated that before the rebellion of Lucifer, the spirit of discontent and disaffection had never before been known in heaven (White, 1890).  “Leaving his place in the immediate presence of the Father, Lucifer went forth to diffuse the spirit of discontent among the angels” (White, 1890).  “While working to excite opposition to the law of God and to instill his own discontent into the minds of the angels under him, he was ostensibly seeking to remove dissatisfaction. . . . Taking advantage of the loving, loyal trust reposed in him by the holy beings under his command, he had so artfully instilled into their minds his own distrust and discontent” (White, 1890).  Ever since his fall it has been his object to infuse the same spirit of envy and discontent, the same ambition for position and honor, into the minds of men (White, 1970).

Satan uses our senses to lure us to believe that content can be found only when we gain pleasure in the things we desire to have.  Knowing Satan’s objective, children must learn how to avoid his spirit of discontentment.  From an early age, children need help learning how to be content in a world filled with all of its wonders, distractions, and stimuli.   Otherwise, they will  always crave more and more for pleasure.

Idleness and lack of simplicity in lifestyle rob children of a sense of contentment.  Children who are discontent often consciously or unconsciously reserve their happiness for a time in the future upon gaining or receiving something while doing nothing with the time and things they have.  They might be living in idleness with discontentment if you hear them say statements such as:  I will be happy when. . . If only I can have. . . I wish I were . . .  It’s too bad I don’t have    . . . Those children are addicted to “Bigger is better” and “What’s next?” mentality.  The idea of slowing down and enjoying what is right in front of them before moving on to the next thing is foreign to many.  By living a simple lifestyle, children can learn that bigger is not always better and they can grow to understand the value in the little things in life that brings contentment.  As such, they can remember that “contentment with simple things will make home happy” (White, 1952).

Contentment is a powerful and simple emotion.  It is experienced when people choose to simply fix their mind on what they have versus what they do not have.  In other words, when they focus their thoughts on what God  has given them, for example, health, food, clothes, toys, and friends, they are happier.  Children, too, who possess this mindset, are not only likely to express their appreciation for what they have, but also gratitude for the people in their lives.

The best and simplest way to learn contentment is to express gratitude daily.  Being thankful for the things you have can put you in the headspace of knowing that things are not nearly as bad as you sometimes make them out to be.  The easiest way to express gratitude is to sit down and write out the things you are grateful for.  Maybe it’s your friends who, seemingly, are always there for you.  Maybe it’s a teacher or family member and the unconditional love they give.  It could even be for school or the opportunities you have been given in life.  You can be grateful for the roof over your head, a bed to sleep in or running water.  Being grateful for these things can give you the perspective that no matter what you are struggling with, at least your necessities are met.

Children can learn contentment from the examples they see around them. Teachers and parents need to model being content by expressing gratitude for the beautiful things on earth like butterflies, sunflowers, smiles, flowers, gentle winds, loving voices, familiar faces, and cool summer nights. “Parents have a sacred duty to perform in teaching their children . . . to be content with plain and simple food, and neat and inexpensive dress” (White, 1954).  “They should be trained to be content with the small, helpful duties and the pleasures and experiences natural to their years” (White, 1954).  The expression of gratitude for even the little things by parents and teachers are likely to have a profound impact on the level of contentment the children in their sphere do experience.

Contentment is something we should educate our minds to practice.  Life can be tough.  However, if contentment becomes a daily practice, life will not seem impossible, neither will gloom settle permanently in the spirit even on the dark days.  A sense of gratitude will result in contentment and joy.

1. What did Lucifer do in Heaven that shows he was discontent?
2. How do you know a person is not content with what they have?
3. What is the difference between needs and wants?
4. Should children have everything they want?
5. What do children need?
6. What is the relationship between contentment and gratitude?
7. What are the things you are grateful for today?
8. If the thing you value most was taken away from you, how would you react?
9. Who are you most grateful for in your life?
10. How can we learn to be content?

appreciation: the act of recognizing or understanding that something is valuable, important, or as described.

countenance: a person’s face or facial expression.

contentment: a state of being where one is satisfied with their current situation and the state of affairs in one’s life as they presently are.

defile: spoil or profane (something sacred).

eunuchs: men who have been castrated, that is, their testicles have been removed.

gratitude: a positive emotion that involves being thankful and appreciative and is associated with several mental and physical health benefits. When you experience gratitude, you feel grateful for something or someone in your life and respond with feelings of kindness, warmth, and other forms of generosity.

lifestyle: the way of life or living of a person or group.  A style of living that reflects the attitudes and values of a person or group.

needs: things that you must have in order to live.

wants: things that you wish to have but aren't necessary for survival.

Find that Someone in whom you can find contentment.   There are TEN words to look for below in the puzzle that consist of names or titles.

W O  I    I   M  M  A  N  U  E  L  L  U A  N M

O  G  G  E   R   L   O  R   D  G O P  A  S  O  L

N  O  D  S   A   V  O  T   F    R K  L  I  P  A   J

D  B  U  D  D   M  E  N  P   A L  S  X  J  V    E

E  O  R  X  M   B  C   D  G  H  R  E  I  I   D   S

R  O  L  E   S    N  U  O  C  H  L  E  S  O  P  U

F  P   F  A   P   O  S   T   L  E  R  V  Z  C  R   S

U  F  O  K  U   F   R   I   E  N  J  Y  C  L  N   B

L  E  A  H   C    I   M  C   C  H  R  I  S  T   I  Q

What do you notice about the words you have found?  _______________________________________________________________

Ans. Immanuel, Wonderful, Jesus, Counselor, Michael, God, Lord, Savior, Apostle, Christ

Dear Father in Heaven, we appreciate all the things you have blessed us with.  Help us to never forget to count our many blessings.  We understand that contentment comes from you.  Thank you for life, health and friends. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.