Content With That!

I recently came across a bulletin clipping I had set aside which read, “A rich person is one who knows he has enough.” Enough! How much is enough? I imagine that for how many people we asked we would have that many different answers. Living in a world where people have so much yet want so much more, lack of contentment will surely continue to be one of life’s challenges. How thankful are we for what we have? How often are we guilty of taking too much of our RICH BLESSINGS for granted?

Note the focus Paul encouraged.
“(6) Now there is GREAT GAIN IN GODLINESS WITH CONTENTMENT, (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.” ( 1 Timothy 6:6-8 ESV)

Do we honestly recognize the TRUE BLESSINGS of food and clothing? Can we be content with that as Paul advocated. When our desires are focused on too much other stuff we can easily begin to be drawn away from the rich gain there is in godliness; the pursuit and exercise of the Will of God. Paul went on to point to the real challenge and distraction worldly wealth and possessions can present. ( 1 Timothy 6:9-10) Our only safeguard is to keep it all in perspective, making sure one possession we have is a real sense of appreciation and thankfulness for even the simple everyday provisions for life -- “food and clothing.”

There is a prayer of an unknown Confederate soldier which has circulated for years which illustrates very well how to focus on TRUE BLESSING. It is a picture of prayers answered the other way, yet with an acknowledgement of the TRUE BLESSING ultimately received.

“I asked God for strength that I might achieve,

            I was made weak that I might learn humbly to obey.

        I asked for health that I might do greater things,

            I was given infirmity that I might do better things.

        I asked for riches that I might be happy,

            I was given poverty that I might be wise.

        I asked for power that I might have the praise of men,

            I was given weakness that I might feel the need of God.

        I asked for all things that I might enjoy life,

            I was given life that I might enjoy all things.

        I got nothing that I asked for, but everything I had hoped for.

        Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.

        I am among all men most richly blessed.”

As we pray we may not always know what is best to ask of God. (note Romans 8:26-27) Are we willing to sincerely pray for His Will to be done in our life? Will we be content with receiving what God considers best and accept as sufficient the TRUE BLESSINGS He brings? Of all the things we possess may we retain an appreciation for even the simplest blessings, taking nothing for granted. By so doing we will be able to also say, “AMONG ALL PEOPLE I AM MOST RICHLY BLESSED.”

Have a great day APPRECIATING HOW RICH WE TRULY ARE!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Contentment