2 minute read.
Daily Reading: Ezekiel 32-33 GW; 1 Timothy 6 GW
Contentment is key.
Paul, writing to Timothy, is explaining contentment. He wants Timothy to “teach and encourage people to do these things” (1 Timothy 6:4 GW). Paul wants people to appreciate what they have instead of yearning for things they don’t possess. As Paul says, we come into the world with nothing and leave with nothing. Praising God for the food and clothing He provides us is something we should all do.
But instead, we complain because we don’t have the newest phone, car or gadget. Our salaries aren’t large enough, jobs aren’t good enough, and houses aren’t elite enough. My attic needs cleaning out at the moment; I don’t even know what all we have in it. Yet, I think I need more. When in reality, I have more than enough, as most of us do in America. Storage units are a hot commodity business; they make anywhere from $361,000-$798,800 a year. Find a place to store other people’s stuff for them, and you’ve got a gold mine.
Godly living isn’t about stuff.
The profits a Godly life bring aren’t monetary. Appreciating what you have, realizing, all you need is bare necessities brings the fruit of the Spirit:
“But the spiritual nature produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There are no laws against things like that.” (Galatians 5:22-23 GW)
Contentment is a choice you make. You either choose to thank God for the gifts you have or focus on what you think you need. When we remember, all we need is food and clothing; we’ll begin to realize we’ve got a lot for which we should thank God. As we lift our voices in praise, God fills us with His Spirit. From the overflow of God’s presence, we’ll share His fruit with the world.
Choose contentment. Thank God for what you have. Live a Godly life, experience His presence. Receive the vast profits that come only from God.
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Lord, thank You for life. Forgive us for constantly thinking we need more than we have. Help us become content as we thank You for all our blessings. Praise You for the food we eat and the clothes we wear. Fill us with Your Spirit; let Your fruit flow from our lives. IJNIP. Amen
Question for reflection
What can you thank God for today?
