I Am Content
What a strange word, content. Who in our society attains contentment? Is it a good or a bad thing? Is it a long term goal, or simply a temporary state?
1 Timothy 6:6 – 6:8 But godliness actually is a means of great gain, when accompanied by contentment. For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. And if we have food and covering, with these we shall be content.
This is not about being poor or frugal. Making money is an honorable thing. In Timothy Chapter 5, Paul writes that the laborer is worthy of his wages.
But we do strive. We want more, bigger, better, and yet there are those who live in a perceived state of continual lack.
Lately there are thousands of articles on pinching pennies, what are you doing to survive the recession, how to get free stuff, and how to buy large amounts of food for little money. How did we get in debt, how did we become overweight? Did anybody see the Pixar cartoon Wall-E?
I am working on having contentment and finding godliness. I think contentment is kind of a temporary state. But we can go there as often as we like. It comes from within, and from knowing there is more than enough to sustain us this day. Then tomorrow we know there is more than enough for that day as well.
Sure I want to sell books, and make money. But how much stuff do I need? The answer is very little. My small house is somehow overflowing with stuff even though I am not a shopper. Perhaps I should call that Peter Walsh Clean Sweep guy to help me get rid of a bunch of items and go minimalist.
Father God, find me today in an attitude of gratefulness. I know all good things come from you. I am blessed. There is more than enough to meet all my needs. Thank you God for the richness of my life. That richness is not numbered possessions, but the depth of my joys, friends, family, and by how I use the gifts you have given me to contribute to the family of Christ. Amen.
