Truly Wealthy

REFERENCE: 1 Timothy 6:6-10  Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. 7 After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. 8 So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content. 9 But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.

 

Observation: It is more obvious than ever, in the current economic crisis that we are in, that running after money does not bring happiness. There is no doubt that we need to learn how to take care of the money God brings our way. It is also true that God wants to bless us with abundance. Still, what we must keep in perspective is that contentment is a deeply important value. A lack of it is what has caused so many people so many problems. Contentment says "I will be happy with what a loving God provides for me." 

Application/Confession: I do pretty well at being content. I don't need much to be happy. On the other hand, let me loose in Best Buy and I can find a bunch of stuff that I just "have to have". I don't really need a big screen TV. I don't really need an IPhone. What I need is to get out of the store and look around me at the needs of others. I need to spend some time thanking God for all He has given me and my family. Then I will be content--and happy!

PRAYER: Lord, thank You for all You have given me. Everything, everything comes from Your hand. You will make sure all my needs are met. Thank You for that. Teach me to live contentedly in Your presence where there is a full measure of joy at all times--no matter what I have.