Did you grow up taught to be content or to chase after more things?
We were not, by any stretch of imagination, a wealthy household! Combine four teenagers and a pastor's salary with a wife who was dedicated to being a full-time Mom- and that means a very limited budget. My children did not even think about attending expensive colleges. They drove old cars and got jobs to pay for their own insurance. Vacations were not long excursions to exotic locales. A trip to the Outer Banks delighted us all. We tried to live generously with what we had and to be content with the thing
s God provided for us and thus, we seldom felt deprived or poor. God was and is our Provider.
s God provided for us and thus, we seldom felt deprived or poor. God was and is our Provider.
Christians who want to live joyfully must choose contentment!
In our culture of 'more,' that is no easy decision. Carefully scripted commercials bombard us with propaganda, trying to convince us that we will find greater happiness if only ... we bought a new car, got a facelift, invested with another brokerage, or used a better shampoo! Jesus cries to us:"Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." (Luke 12:15, NIV) Put another way, we are not defined by what we own! You will not be a better person just because you wear a shirt that costs $100. Of course, choosing to buy a cheap shirt does not make you more holy or happier either. A Christian sees 'stuff' for what it is; temporary, perishable, and to be used, not worshiped.
The generosity that should be part of every Christian's character is a near impossible choice if he lacks assurance of God's provision or is unwilling to live thankfully. For some, there is no such thing as 'enough.' They are fearful of what may come tomorrow, holding tightly to whatever they have, planning and plotting to get more. What a tragic way of life. No matter the balance in their accounts, they cannot enjoy what they have!
We need to really live the kind of life described here: "I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength." (Philippians 4:11-13, NLT)
It is not just things that stirs our envy. It is possible to yearn for a better position in such a way that we fail to live faithfully where we are. We can become obsessed with appearance, certain that real happiness will be ours only after we get thinner, develop bigger muscles, or find the perfect tan. What an illusion that is, yet millions spend $billions chasing a mirage of perpetual youthful beauty!
Do you want to be content?
Do you want to enjoy this day, where you are, with what you have?
Do you want to enjoy this day, where you are, with what you have?
Here is God's wisdom. Take time to meditate on these two passages.
Soak your mind in them.
Ask the Spirit to transform the values of your heart with this Truth.
Soak your mind in them.
Ask the Spirit to transform the values of your heart with this Truth.
"Don't be obsessed with getting more material things.
Be relaxed with what you have.
Since God assured us, "I'll never let you down, never walk off and leave you,"
we can boldly quote, God is there, ready to help;
I'm fearless no matter what. Who or what can get to me? "
(Hebrews 13:5-6, The Message)
Be relaxed with what you have.
Since God assured us, "I'll never let you down, never walk off and leave you,"
we can boldly quote, God is there, ready to help;
I'm fearless no matter what. Who or what can get to me? "
(Hebrews 13:5-6, The Message)
"In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins,
in accordance with the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us
with all wisdom and understanding." (Ephesians 1:7-8, NIV)
in accordance with the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us
with all wisdom and understanding." (Ephesians 1:7-8, NIV)
__________
Lavish love, abundant beauty;
Gracious gifts for heart and hand.
Life that fills the soul and senses,
All burst forth at Your command.
Lord our Lord, Eternal Father,
Great Creator, God and Friend.
Boundless power gave full expression
To Your love which knows no end.
Who am I that You should love me,
Meet my ev'ry need from birth?
Why invest Yourself so fully
In a creature made of earth?
In Your loving heart You planned me
Fashioned me with greatest care,
Through my soul You breathed Your Spirit
Planted Your own image there.
I am Yours, Eternal Father,
All my body, mind, and heart.
Take and use me to Your glory,
Form Yourself in ev'ry part.
Lord, Your love brings joy and gladness
Flowing forth within my soul.
May my very breath and being
Rise to You their source and goal!
Lavish Love, Abundant Beauty
Peter Ellis | Rowland Hugh Prichard
© Words: 1986 Word Music, LLC (a div. of Word Music Group, Inc.)
CCLI License # 810055
No comments:
Post a Comment