Without a doubt, this is a self-indulgent, demanding age. People want what they want, and they want it now. And when they get it, they only want more. That's true not only of undisciplined children but also of adults. "An undisciplined adult," wrote David Augsburger, "is just a child who has grown old."

A man named Bob admitted that he was always trying to get circumstances and people to be the way he wanted them to be. But he was frustrated because he was fighting a losing battle. One day he woke up to the fact that his life contained many good things just as it was. "When I think it through," he confessed, "I realize I'm spoiled. Maybe one of the definitions of a spoiled person is not knowing when to be satisfied."

This is not just a modern trend. Psalm 106 gives an honest confession of Israel's unfaithfulness. How quickly the people forgot God's great works and grumbled like spoiled children when they didn't get their way! Finally, when they tired of manna, God gave them the meat they demanded, but they soon regretted having asked for it (v.15; Num. 11:33).

Thank the Lord that He is able to deliver us from demanding, ungrateful attitudes. Oh, may we be fully satisfied with our gracious God.  — Joanie Yoder