Satisfied: Discovering Contentment in a World of Consumption

by Jeff Manion

The Counter-Cultural Move from Accumulation to Abundance

Why is it so hard to find the contented, satisfied life? What deep hungers drive our purchasing habits, accumulation, and consumer lifestyle?

Satisfied is for those drowning in debt, but also those getting farther and farther ahead financially. It is for those who have forgotten who they are and mistakenly equate their self-worth with their net worth. It is for those who are crippled by comparison. It is for those with full closets and empty souls.

Satisfied provides an inspiring and transformative vision for living a deeply contented life in our consumer-driven culture.

"Jeff Manion's voice is such a wise, clear, helpful voice, and I'm so thankful for the timely and challenging invitation he's issued in these pages. I'm inspired to live more richly with fewer things, and to pursue gratitude and generosity with more intention." - Shauna Niequist, author of Bread and Wine

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Faith, Christianity, Self Help, Personal Development, Spirituality

207 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 7, 2014

Reviews

[Desiree · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I was expecting more of a treatise on materialism in the current day and age. However, this book interestingly took the reader back to the time of Jesus and to the towns where people were constantly being drawn away from his spiritual teachings and principles by the materialism of their day! I found the history fascinating and definitely learned a lot. I guess never really gave a lot of thought to people being all caught up in the baubles of their day over 2,000 years ago.

This book is far from being a history lesson, however. I really enjoyed the way the author related various bible verses to his life today and then jumped back in time. This made the scriptures much more applicable to life in today's world!

Definitely recommended to anyone seeking to strengthen their faith and to take a step back from the daily concerns over finances that can very easily lead us astray!

[Nicole Buck · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a read and re-read book. Pull this out when you’re in the middle of a pity party

[Ben · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an outstanding book.

I really appreciated the writing of Manion.

This book touches on consumption.
How to choose Christ over cash.

Very good book and very important message - especially now during these days of mass consumption.

4.8/5

[Susie Finkbeiner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is gently convicting. Manion encourages and edifies with illustrations, Scripture, personal stories, and wonderful ideas for how to pursue the Satisfied Life. I appreciated the short, thought provoking chapters which are broken into different focused sections. I loved the perspective Manion offers. Readers who are ready to take a good look at themselves would do well to crack open this book.

Highly recommended. And this is a good one for small groups as it has a study that accompanies it.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our church went through this series and gave this book to everyone. It is a challenge for Christians to be "satisfied" with what they have. If the end goal is more, there is no end to be reached. He reminds us that as Americans with running water, constant electricity, transportation and education, we are richer than 90% of the world. Challenges he gives us:
-Do not purchase anything for a week, including food.
-Clean out your closets and give things away to actual people that will use them.
-Systematically and regularly give. If you give away nothing, start with 1%.

[Denise Westlake · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely, if possible, watch the video portion of this learning series with a small group, too.

The blessing of wealth does not spontaneously result in growing devotion to God. Unguarded, financial stability releases a slow slide of self-sufficiency... you may be working hard- but even that disciplined spirit is a gift from God.
Continue to move toward the satisfied life... and give God the glory.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

While his sentiments are nothing new, they are presented in a way I hadn't yet considered. I appreciated Manion's use of real-life and biblically-based examples on how to establish contentment amidst a culture of consumption. At times I did find Manion's writings to be a tad redundant; however, I was ultimately challenged by his words (which essentially come down to the Word of the Lord.) I highly recommend for anyone looking to simplify their lives. This would be a great book to work through as a small group.
I highlighted many passages throughout this one. Here are a few of my favorites:
-I suspect that our material longings are more largely formed by our culture than by the Christ and that our spending habits do not differ radicallyfrom those who have no allegiance or loyalty to Jesus.
-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. (1 Timothy 6:6 – 8)
-Contentment is the cultivation of a satisfied heart. It is the discipline of being fully alive to God and to others whatever our material circumstances.
-Contentment is not achieved through getting everything we want but by training the heart to experience full joy and deep peace even when we don’t have what we want.
-From time to time I realize that the things I buy wear out and get old. But the sobering reminder here is that I will wear out and get old.
-If our goal is more, then whatever we have is never enough.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book about being satisfied with what we have and how to live within your means.
Some favorite quotes:
“. . the pursuit of the satisfied, generous life must be achieved in the midst of our consumer-driven, debt saturated culture. Do not think it will be a simple thing to extricate yourself from the trap of comparison?“
“ Your identity is anchored in who you belong to.”
“Generosity is at the heart of the satisfied life.”
There were some parts that seemed to profess a bit of a prosperity gospel. On page 149 he says, “When we take care of God’s interests, he takes care of us, so that we can continue to take care of his interests.”
Because of my age (70) I found the last section to be most applicable to my life. “… financial freedom ushers in a whole new set of spiritual challenges.”

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Satisfied gave me another way to see poverty, a new view on greed, and a look at the fear of giving and then, the final, it made me question myself. A few questions I needed to ask myself while reading this book was: "At what level do I trust God? Can I trust God to meet ALL my needs? Is God able to replace what I give?" I want to be a more generous person and I felt God leading me to this realization while reading this book. I highly recommend this book to anyone with questions about their own level of greed or fear of giving? Have you thought of either of these things during the time when that little voice sits inside and spurs you to action?

[AE · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned much about the imperceptible yet powerful pull between possessions accumulating to own the one drawn to them and the loving acknowledgment of the one who paid the ultimate price to own us. It’s the difference between a tawdry imitation of love and the kind of love that involves the emptying of self. Daring to trust the God of all creation to become the total source of our satisfaction leads to amazing grace, When we realize the miracle of Christ becoming our supply (and not the emptiness of endless, never fulfilled moments of craving a cheap sawdust alternative) we become heirs with Christ to God’s rich atoning mercy of the cross. Now there’s where our riches truly lie!

[Tiffany Tubville · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! “Comparison is a thief and a killer. Comparison robs you of gratitude and contentment. Comparison massacres joy. Another casualty of comparison is generosity. We are drawn to give generously when we experience a sense of abundance, when we become aware of the blessings that surround us.”
I would be interested in leading the DVD study of this book in my church. It’s such an important message because it’s very common to fall into the comparison trap, the lack of contentment, and struggle with generosity.

[Chelsea · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to absolutely love this one because Jeff is the pastor @ the church I attend & I’ve gleaned so much spiritual wisdom from his other books.

I applaud the plain language most of this book is written with, it’s an easy & quick read, aside from some Christianity based history within the pages.

I can appreciate the overarching message & it had some quotable moments I made sure not to forget to save, however, overall it was just “Meh!” for me. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[gardeningmom7 · Rating 4 out of 5]

“From time to time I realize that the things I buy wear out and get old. But the sobering reminder here is that I will wear out and get old. And when my body totally gives out and my family buries me, none of the dear objects in my garage, my closet, or my basement will travel with me.

My wonderful house, my car, my treasured bike, my many books, my backpacking paraphernalia- these are only temporarily in my custody. If they don’t wear out and leave me, I will wear out and leave them.”

[Laura McAninch · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very nice read. Even being very familiar with the principles he discusses, they were presented in new lights that should be appreciated by any walk of life. satisfied. content. humble. grateful. Never forget that is how we need to live...Being content in God is our greatest way to praise and give glory Him.

[Wendy]

A look at learning to not equate your self worth with financial decisions or what you buy or have. It is written from a Christian perspective and a good reminder that satisfaction is not a function of money.

[A.J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the way that Jeff Manion brings about this powerful truth. So important for the Christian life that we learn to be content (satisfied). This will only magnify our testimony of Jesus and what He is doing in our lives!!

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read my share of "minimalism" books but this one is by far a great read! Love the biblical insights and shared lessons. Thank you, Jess Manion!

[Becca Iveson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This would be an extremely solid read for a young Christian. Very necessary for foundational contentment.

[Julie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Started out strong, but lost my interest 3/4 way through. Very Christian, which I didn’t realize when purchasing because I just went on the recommendation of a minimalism book list.

[Katie Stratton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very simple and practical thoughts for living more contentedly as well as challenges to spur change. Small group book

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jeff Manion makes a compelling, Christian-based argument for a life of contentment and satisfaction in his aptly-named book, Satisfied. Using compelling combinations of short, real-life stories to engage the reader and bible-based examples, Manion makes a case for dropping comparison-based living, shifting identify from what we own to who owns us, experiencing the wealth that comes from generosity, and standing firm against forces that try to steal away hard-earned satisfaction.

Manion's concepts and ideas are extremely poignant, cutting straight to the heart of American consumer culture. Early on in Satisfied, Manion points out that, "From time to time I realize that the things I buy wear out and get old. But the sobering reminder here is that I will wear out and get old...If they don't wear out and leave me, I will wear out and leave them" (p 28). These clear words point out an obvious but often disregarded truth - you really can't take it with you. Manion continues by pointing out that everything is a gift from God. We cannot find our contentment in things because things cannot complete us. We need to "find...life in the Giver and not in his gifts" (p 29).

Yet in our comparison-driven consumerism, it’s easy to feel like we've been short-changed. So many seem to have so much more than us, and it’s easy to feel like God is giving us less than we deserve. This is the sin that comes when we compare. Jesus warns us about this danger in the parable of the workers in the vineyard, where those who worked all day were paid the same as those who only worked a few hours. (Matthew 20:1-15) "The more you flirt with comparison, the more tenuous your trusting relationship with God. You simply won't trust in him if you suspect he is holding out on you...The heart that feels God is not fair begins a slow and steady drift" (p 74).

To win against comparison is difficult, especially so when we are literally bombarded with comparative messages. Out consumer culture pushes us strongly to compare, since that comparison pushes you to buy more stuff. It is very challenging to battle against this. Manion makes a great suggestion, though - "Make a list...itemize those blessings for which you can be deeply grateful." He continues, "Your list should not be short" (p 78). This is very reminiscent of a gratitude journal, a fantastic practice which strongly drives home gratitude while illustrating just how blessed we truly are.

Culture tries to drive us to determine our worth by what we own. A big house, a nice car or two, a huge TV, multiple computers...the list is endless. Manion points out that keeping up with the Joneses is not the game Christians are called to play. "Your identity is not anchored in what belongs to you. Your identity is anchored in who you belong to. You are his. It's not what you purchase. It's who purchased you that forms the core of who you are" (p 102)

We tend to put our faith in money rather than God. We believe it's nice, yes, God will provide, things will work out. Meanwhile, we stifle generosity, hoarding wealth against a rainy day. Manion is not against saving, as long as it’s not at the expense of giving. He advocates the 80/10/10 principle, the disciple of restricting spending to 80 percent of earnings, saving 10 percent, and generously giving away the final 10 percent (p 75). This can require great trust, something Manion points out with a personal story of when he and his wife were just starting out. Given their low-paying jobs, they were below the poverty line, but still tithed 10 percent of their income (p 162-163). "Fear of not having enough can paralyze generosity" (p 164). The question becomes do you trust in money or do you trust in God?

Manion ends by stating a strong but often-forgotten truth - "If we are incapable of finding contentment in our current home, most assuredly we will not find contentment in a new one. A different house cannot define us, rescue us, or fill us. Any latent emptiness or dysfunction will stalk us to a new dwelling. And our real identity and fullness will follow us as well. Who we are, foundationally, cannot be altered with a new address" (p 209-210).

Satisfied, while not raising much in the way of new ideas, does a great job of pointing out many hard truths that most people would rather not have to face. Manion's end of chapter exercises are very eye-opening. Overall, this is a solid book that is worth a read for anyone looking for a religious call to a more simple, satisfied life.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Financial freedom begins with knowing your identity in Christ.

A great many books and seminars on Christian financial topics deal with the nuts and bolts: spending, budgeting, financial planning, investing. Jeff Manion, in Satisfied: Discovering Contentment in a World of Consumption, takes a different approach. He gives the readers an exposition on the theology of Christian contentment. His thesis is that true financial freedom is a function of learning contentment and satisfaction. However it isn't all theoretical and abstract: with each set of chapters (the book is divided into six parts) Jeff provides questions and activities to help the reader learn and develop the concepts discussed in the corresponding chapters. Activities include practical projects that reinforce learning.

The chapters are short and easy to read. Jeff includes numerous anecdotes from his life and from people he has interacted with to introduce and illustrate his points. He draws from six major scriptural passages (plus several more minor discussions) to develop his thesis. I appreciate his taking time to discuss the historical and cultural context of the scriptural passages used, to show that economic concerns and the problem of contentment are timeless concerns.

According to Jeff, one of the major reasons why we have such a difficult time with contentment is because we compare ourselves to those who appear to have more. And we compare because we have false ideas about where we derive our identity. We are culturally conditioned to look at externals, our possessions, and our spending to determine our worth. The key to financial freedom is to free ourselves from looking for our sense of worth in finances. To do this, Jeff writes, is to discover, learn, and internalize Christ as the true source of identity and worth. Jeff brings in the Epistle to the Ephesians as his theological basis. He writes how Paul wrote to the church at Ephesus about their new identity through the concepts of adoption, redemption, and sealing.

The second half of the book is about the challenges of affluence. This is a topic that I haven't heard or seen addressed very often. Jeff clearly writes for those who reside in well-to-do societies. He writes that even those who see themselves as "poor" in these societies are usually rich compared to most of the rest of the world. When one considers assets that people have access to outside of strict financial ones -- education, community and government support, families -- those of us who live in the developed societies are quite "rich." The challenge for those of us who are rich, who have found genuine financial freedom, is how to resist succumbing to the temptations to diminish our reliance upon God and to return to valuing ourselves according to what we've accomplished. Jeff writes that trust in God is an ongoing challenge. He provides a number of suggestions as to how Christians can keep focus on Christ when things are going well.

The gospel message is a message of freedom from fear. One of those fears is the fear of the future which includes issues around finances. Satisfied speaks to this segment of the gospel. This book is great by itself, and it will make an excellent companion material to more nuts-and-bolts financial instruction materials.

(This review is based on an advance review copy supplied by the publisher through NetGalley.)

[Ben Holleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super,notes for Christians and consumption.

Mansion writes about comparison, fear, !money and giving. Good perspectives on wealth, trust and caring. Challenge yorswelf with projects too.

[Colette · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first instinct is to give this 3.5 stars, but I have the feeling it's going to be something I'm still thinking about days from now.

This book has some very insightful gems. I enjoyed this quick read about learning how to find contentment in all our situations (this book mainly addresses financial situations). Manion uses the scriptures and personal experiences to remind his reader about what is important and what brings true contentment in life. This is done by being grateful and remembering our divine nature and our worth as individuals in the eyes of God. This will, in turn, give us strength and courage to trust that God will always take care of us. Being generous in our time and money will help us stay close to God even during times prosperity. I flagged so many passages in this book. I also really liked the questions posed for reflection, and found the projects to be simple and practical.

This is probably a book I will be thinking about for a long time. It is very easy and accessible, but filled with wisdom. To me, the pages seemed to exude peace. There are so many great reminders.

[Cora · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book sounded interesting - discovering contentment in a world of consumption, but really didn't even seem to live up to it's tagline. It does include a lot of examples of why you should be content with what you have and why it's good to not rely on and love material items, but then doesn't really seem to get into the how part of it. It was more of "you should be content in all situations" than "here are practical ways in which you can learn to be more content." To me, it seems that the Christian books that have to do with minimalism/simplifying are not nearly as good as the non-Christian blogs/books that are out there on the topic.

The parts where the author talks about the culture in Ephesus, Corinth and other places was really interesting. If this book were more of a biblical study guide and meant to explain those places and the scriptures, then I think this would have been a much better read.

Overall, I probably wouldn't recommend it.

[Kelly Schulz · Rating 5 out of 5]

"How can the heart shift from deep gratitude to subtle resentment in three short hours? The answer – in a word – is comparison. Comparison rarely enjoys what one has but instead dwells on what someone else has and, consequently, obsesses over what one lacks.
If you succumb to comparison like this, prepare to wave goodbye to those higher, treasured attributes we seek to cultivate.
Comparison is a thief and a killer.
Comparison robs you of gratitude and contentment.
Comparison massacres joy.
Another casualty of comparison is generosity. We are drawn to give generously when we experience a sense of abundance; when we become aware of the blessings that surround us." Pg63

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not too many pastors begin a book quoting George Carlin, but Manion does include “A Place for My Stuff” excerpt. Manion includes a history of the early Christians who wrestled with increasing materialism. Manion’s goal is “to provide Biblical direction for living a deep spiritual life in a shallow, materialistic culture.” We need to learn contentment and giving, as well as having balanced life of neither poverty nor wealth. Different assignments (or projects) are included in the book. One example of this is a weeklong spending fast.

Recommended for public libraries, and small Bible study groups.

[Chad Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good book. Our pride gets in our way so often starting with comparing ourselves to everyone around us. The author does a great job of explaining in detail what was going in during the 1st Century and why there was so much instruction in the Bible about how to be content.

Using the suggestions in the book I am able to be grateful for simple things, remove the excess in my life and become satisfied today just as things are. It's all about being present and choosing to be content with the now.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will give anyone-whether you feel behind financially or more than blessed-food for thought on what it means to be steward that which you've been given. The author's stories and relatable biblical references coupled with some very practical questions and actions helped me think about how my time, and my talent, not just my treasure, are used and how those things may define or shape my identity. This book is an easy read and would be a great tool for a small group.

[Gary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked the simplicity of this book and concepts. Our church, Cherry Hills Community Church, provided a copy to every family with the challenge to read the book and boy am I glad I did. The author, Jeff Manion, does not complicate biblical theology nor guilt ride you to submission but he does simply lay out the case for being content. This is an easy read and has a few questions throughout to help you navigate through his chapters. Certainly well worth my time and for you too.