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?
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 verse helps 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.
Is that you today? Are you focused on the things you want instead of giving thanks for the things you have? I suggest taking the energy you might spend on trying to satisfy discontent and invest it in yourself in other areas: read more, study the Bible more, take care of your body more, journal more, and serve others more.
It was once said, “Be content with what you have, never with what you are.” Interesting idea... Remember, the goal isn’t to acquire things, satisfy desires, or fill up square footage in your house... it’s to become a better you and draw closer to Christ. How?
- Stop determining your value by things or opinions. Only one evaluation matters...and that’s from God. (Ephesians 2:10
- Be content with what God provides... and don’t worry about what He doesn’t. Your needs will be met. (Philippians 4:19)
- Keep walking down the road to your God potential. Don’t let discontent shift your focus from gratitude to ungratefulness. (Psalm 107:1)
Let’s take the journey together!
