Do you know how the Lord
wants you to deal with your finances and possessions?
Contentment is a big part of that process. 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.
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. Amen?
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. Amen?
