I Can’t Get No Satisfaction

Many will remember the above title for a 1964 rock song sung by Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones. The song’s title incapsulates its theme: No matter how much the song’s protagonist seeks satisfaction—be it with women, possessions or advertised products—he is unsuccessful.

Was the song’s protagonist Mick himself? If so, was this popular rock star completely unsatisfied at the time. Has he found any satisfaction since then?

Jagger was 21 when Satisfaction was released. He recently turned 91. Over his last 70 years, Mick has been knighted by the late Queen Elizabeth, has become known worldwide, and has acquired an estimated net worth of 500 million dollars. With this fame and financial success, has he been able to obtain satisfaction? Complete satisfaction?

Don’t know. But the Bible talks about seeking satisfaction through money: “Whoever loves money never has enough. Whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income.” (Ecc. 5:10) “The love of money is the root of all evil.” (1 Tim 6:10) Notice that having money itself is not problematic, but the love of it is.

How about fame? The Bible warns against overly pursuing fame, because it may lead to losing favor with God (Mt 6: 1). Instead, the Bible admonishes us to put our hope in God, “who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment” (1 Tim 6: 17). God is our true source of complete satisfaction. Best of all: His satisfaction lasts eternally. Earthly satisfaction doesn’t.