Be Content

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Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:6-8

6 But godliness with contentment is great gain, 7 for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. 8 But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.

 

Meditation:

            Discontent and restlessness are two of the great issues of our day. They are driven by the consumerism of our culture. If you watch or listen to any kind of media there are the every present advertisements. These ads try to convince you that your life is somehow incomplete without their new and improved project.

            The appeal to our vanity is often plain as day. If you go on this diet you too can look like the shapely model in the advertisement. If you drive car x you will be irresistible to the opposite sex. And on and on it goes. Advertisers seeking to convince us that we will not be the best that we can be without their products. Even our military branches have gotten in on the act.

            Paul’s words to Timothy here are such a contrast to our culture. The wisdom of God often is opposed to what our cultural values are. Since we have brought nothing into this world we can take nothing out of it. What would happen to our economy if we learned to be content with food and clothing? It would likely collapse. There is simply no way our economy could function on such a limited basis.

            If we lived this way the crash of the economy would be heard from Wall St. to Main St. Yet if our souls could be content with nothing but food, some shelter from the elements, and some modest clothing Paul promises us great contentment and safety from the covetous desires that pull at the human heart. Not all can accept this word, but I pray that those who are able will. Let us pray.

 

Prayer:

            Dear God, help us to embrace simplicity as a life style. Teach us how to do without all the latest bells and whistles. Keep us from making idols out of our things. Set our hearts on fire to love you and you only. Help us be rid of the stuff in our lives that keeps us from truly following you in the way we want to follow you. Help us be content with what we have and not be so wrapped up in the latest toys we see on the TV. Grant us peace, wisdom, and courage to in your ways. Amen.  

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