Dearly beloved in Christ
Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
“But Godliness with contentment is great gain.” (1 Timothy 6:6). There are two main types of decision-makers. In his book “The Paradox of Choice,” Barry Schwartz distinguishes between two kinds of deliberators: Maximizers and Satisficers. People tend to lean toward one of two categories: 'maximizers', who want to ensure they get the most out of the choices they make; Maximizers accept only the best possible option. and 'satisficers', who tend to adopt a ‘this is good enough’ approach. Satisficers accept an option that meets their standards. The terms “maximizing” and “satisficing” were coined in 1956 by economist and psychologist Herbert A. Simon. Each comes with benefits and drawbacks. If you are a maximizer, you are likely to weigh choices carefully to assess the best. On paper, their decisions may look like the most logical or efficient, since they have spent so much time deliberating possibilities and potential results. At the other end of the spectrum, you have ‘satisficers’: people who would rather make decisions quickly. They are fine with what is acceptable instead of the ‘best’ choice. Unlike maximizers, satisficers do not need a lot of options or information. They also rely less on outside sources. They make decisions faster, weigh fewer choices, and go with their gut. The drawback here is that satisficers may reach a decision quickly, but it may not necessarily be the ‘best’ outcome that gives them the maximum return.
Of course, we will not find the words maximizer or satisficer in Scripture. But we do see a similar idea. In 1 Timothy 6:6, Paul challenged Timothy to find value in God rather than the things of this world. The world’s promises of fulfillment can never be fully delivered. Paul wanted Timothy to root his identity in God instead: “Godliness with contentment is great gain” (6:6). Paul sounds like a satisficer when he adds, “But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that” (v. 8). This word, as now used, refers to a state of mind; a calm and satisfied feeling; a freedom from murmuring and complaining. Paul told Timothy that those who misuse God’s Word wrongly think godliness is a means of material gain. They meant a frame of mind which was completely independent of all outward things, and which carried the secret of happiness within itself. Contentment never comes from the possession of external things.” (Barclay). For genuine contentment and rest of the soul, we need a genuine focus on God in our anxieties and tribulations.
On July 4 the United States celebrates its Independence Day. Martin Luther, the Reformer once said about Christian Liberty “A Christian is a perfectly free lord of all, subject to none. A Christian is a perfectly dutiful servant of all, subject of all, subject to all.” Our children now moved to another summertime after their regular academic exercises. Summer is a wonderfully kinetic time, a season of youth, activity, celebration, and revolution. Conferences, Vacation Bible Schools, Picnics, and other activities will help to enrich our kids more enthusiastically. Make an earnest effort to participate our children in all activities of our community. May God bless you all.
In His Ministry
Ajith Varghese Achen
