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| February 6, 2002 |
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| "But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drove men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows." 2Timothy 6:6-10 This generation we live in today wants it all! Many people who are under 30 have always had it all, where the lack of material things during the Great Depression has affected the attitudes of many older people. However, many people, young and old alike, seem to be concerned today with driving the right car, wearin clothes with the right label (which cannot even be seen), and getting the "best" of vacation resorts at the "in" places. Yet having all these only leads in a desire for more. Oh! How we accumulate! The person who has everything needs a place to put it. Closets running over, big homes with two car garages, storage buildings adjacent to the yard acreage, and much more! But has this richer life produced a better life? If abundance brings happiness, we would then assume that the people who have most possessions have the greatest happiness. Yet even the most casual observer can see this is not true. In their accumulation of things, are they not searching for contentment? Are they not filling their lives with material things in their search? The bottom line, according to Apostle Paul is not how much you have. The bottom line on personal gain and loss is finding godliness with contentment. Now, what do we need to be therewith content? Paul's statement is almost heretical to our materialistic ears. All that is necessary is food and clothing! These should be the limit of our earthly desires. The necessities of life are the bounds of a true Christian's desires. Truly, the secret of contentment is not having much but wanting little. This is not to say we cannot have more than food and clothing, it simply means as Paul says in verse 9, that having more than these presents a temptation. May we, God's redeemed children, refuse to let the world squeeze us into its mold, and refuse to imitate it as it seeks everything to live with and nothing to live for! May the good Lord bless you with a wonderful day as you pursue the important things you need for fulfillment in life. Love in Christ Jesus, Sandy |