Contentment

Over the next four days we’ll look at four secrets that can help us become wiser about how the Lord wants us to deal with our finances and possessions. The first is Secret of Contentment

Indulging in luxuries, wine and rich food, will never make you wealthy...Proverbs 21:17

Ecclesiastes 6:9 says that it is better to be satisfied with what you have than to always want something else. Buy now – pay later is not part of God’s plan!
 

I love this quote, Contentment is not a destination; it is the journey.

Take a look at the 10 Commandments. The first nine Commandments deal external behavior – actions others can see in your life. The tenth Commandment to not covet is a sin that is rarely spoken of, and kept hidden. The desire for more and what isn’t ours is one that must be dealt with before you can attain the wisdom God desires.
 
Consider what Paul shared, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13 Many times we use this verse when we have a crisis or great need in our lives. This verse on a day to day basis has more to do with being content with what you have and not to covet.

Paul instructs us on being satisfied.
I have learned to be satisfied with what I have. I know how to get along happily whether I have much or little. I have learned this secret, so that anywhere, at any time, I am content, whether I am full or hungry, whether I have too much or too little. Philippians 4:11-12

Jesus wants us to learn contentment. He spoke of the sin of coveting when the young rich man came up and asked, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus looks at this rich young ruler and says…“You know the commandments, ‘Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.’” Mark 10:19

Which of the commandments did Jesus not quote? “Do not covet.” Why did Jesus leave it out? He goes on to say; And the young ruler said to Him, “Teacher, I have kept all these things from my youth up.” And looking at him, Jesus felt a love for him, and said to him, “One thing you lack: go and sell all you possess, and give to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” Mark 10:20-21 The young man kept up a good public persona as a righteous and religious man. Jesus left out coveting because He knew this was a commandment he did not keep. He had a problem with his love of money. At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth. Mark 10:22

Solomon’s wisdom tells us to learn to live within our means, and to learn to be content with what we have. The world’s measure of wealth and the Lord’s measure is very different. There is one who pretends to be rich, but has nothing; another pretends to be poor, but has great wealth. - Proverbs 13:7 We need to live within our means, not our imaginations! A simpler God focused life is the best way to live and find true contentment.

Have a good Godly day.