What does it take for us to say we have enough? Many who struggle with this answer the question of “enough?” with “just one more.” But where does it stop? When does thankfulness begin?
To those that struggle with contentment... there will never be enough. It will always lie one arms length beyond their ability to sleep at night. Those that live in this camp wonder when the next one will be and never cherish what is. Their entire existence is based on what they might miss out on by not having more.
Today’s verses help with this.
“Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth.” 1 Timothy 6:6
“Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have.” Philippians 4:11 (Paul)
Godliness with contentment, Paul says, is of great value. In fact, he goes on to tell the churches in Philipi that he has “learned how to be content with whatever I have.” [sic].
What was Paul’s secret? What helped him move from greedy to grateful? It’s simple. Perspective. Paul saw that his needs were met and that was enough. He probably had wants...things that he’d like to have in his life... but he realized that these were superfluous to his mission. Paul was sent to spread the Gospel... and help those around him find Christ as Lord. He knew that God would provide whatever he needed to fulfill his calling.
What’s your calling? To grow, learn, love, support, partner, develop, share Christ, and become the person God created you to be? Great! I promise you… to do all of those things.. God will give you exactly what you need exactly when you need it. All the other stuff that ties up your heart in the bonds of dissatisfaction are unnecessary… and only lead to stress, sadness, and the false feeling that you are missing out on something.
Ready to move from greedy to grateful? From wanting to worshiping? From pouting to praise? Make the commitment today to do so. It won’t take long before you realize that Paul had it right… It’s not about having stuff…it’s about knowing it’s enough. And thanking God for his graciousness in allowing us to hold onto it for awhile.
