Living in the United States, we often feel as though this country is the most blessed nation, as fewer people live below the poverty line. Statistics reveal that worldwide, 80% of people exist on less than $10 per day, with the poverty line being $1.25 per day. It is heartbreaking to think about people who cannot afford the basic needs of clothing and food. God has promised to provide both of those commodities for His children, but He also reminds us to be content in whatever station in life He places us.
6 Now godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. 9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
1 Timothy 6:6
With Madison Avenue executives leading the way to entice us all to desire more gadgets, expensive automobiles, designer clothing and stylish accoutrement, it is easy to fall into the trappings of world philosophy. Yet God gave us the tenth commandment for a reason, not to covet the possessions or lives of others. “Keeping up with the Joneses” might involve a larger mansion or Mr. Jones’ trophy wife, but God encourages us to trust Him as our Provider. That trust will give us contentment, as our Lord never makes mistakes. Our station in life does not come from hard work, random luck or guesswork by God, as He has a purpose and a plan in each of our lives.
10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. 11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:10-13
Socrates said, “Contentment is natural wealth; luxury is artificial poverty.” When our goals are merely of a financial nature, we are missing the greater importance of a personal relationship with our Creator.
“Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.” -- Greek philosopher Epicurus
Jesus traveled the length and width of Israel with one tunic, yet we fill whatever space we dwell in with possessions. If we move into a much larger home, it is only a matter of time before we fill that space with more possessions. God takes care of the needs of His children, yet our Savior was homeless during the time of His ministry. God also desires for us to be content in regard to marital status. Paul found that he was able to serve the Lord better as a single man, yet he also realized that it was just as right to be married for those called to be married. Sadly, many churches treat singles differently than they treat married couples or families. Along those lines, neither Jesus nor Paul would have gained acceptance in many churches!
7 For I wish that all men were even as I myself. But each one has his own gift from God, one in this manner and another in that.
8 But I say to the unmarried and to the widows: It is good for them if they remain even as I am; 9 but if they cannot exercise self-control, let them marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion.
1 Corinthians 7:7-9
What is better, to want what you have or to have what you want? Our desires as Christians should be for closer walks with God rather than for bigger, better and more possessions. Money is not the root of all evil, as many misquote, but instead, the root of all evil is the love of money. Certainly, we all fight that battle and carry that love, at least to a certain degree. We do not need to take vows of poverty, but neither should we desire more than we have. Be content wherever God has you, single, married, rich or poor. If He has chosen you to serve Him, you already have been given a gift greater than winning the lottery!
Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Hebrews 13:5
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