But godliness actually is a source of great gain when accompanied by contentment [that contentment which comes from a sense of inner confidence based on the sufficiency of God]…But those who [are not financially ethical and] crave to get rich [with a compulsive, greedy longing for wealth] fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction [leading to personal misery]. – I Timothy 6: 6,9 AMP
How are Christians meant to live in a world where credit is readily available for anything you desire? Are we meant to get distracted by the things of this world? Always chasing the new, shiny and most up-to-date? And do these things really add value to our lives as advertised?
The society we live in doesn’t encourage contentment. In some ways, contentment is now portrayed as a weakness, an attribute of someone lacking ambition, which is a lie!
Jesus said, “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” Matthew 6:32-33 (NLT)
Having riches isn’t bad and we have examples of very rich people in the Bible, starting with Abraham and his children, King David and his son, King Solomon. For them to enjoy those riches they made God the centre and focus of their lives.
Solomon requested God’s guidance and wisdom as king of Israel, God was delighted with his request, and He added to him riches. But hear what Solomon said later on:
“I collected great sums of silver and gold, the treasure of many kings and provinces… Anything I wanted, I would take. I denied myself no pleasure. I even found great pleasure in hard work, a reward for all my labors. But as I looked at everything I had worked so hard to accomplish, it was all so meaningless—like chasing the wind. There was nothing really worthwhile anywhere.” Ecclesiastes 2:8, 10-11 (NLT)
This was Solomon’s conclusion on riches when he tried to enjoy it without God. He acquired it and used it for his own pleasure but found no satisfaction in it. No matter what we have in life there will always be somebody who has something bigger and better. The more we chase these worldly things and desires, we will not have peace of mind.
“The blessing of the Lord makes a person rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.” Proverbs 10:22 (NLT)
Most times riches and wealth are only associated with money, big houses, luxurious cars and so on. But God’s blessings are much more than that. Many have money but the money can’t buy good health, happiness or peace of mind. When God blesses His children, it’s the full package.
“As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.” 1 Timothy 6:17-19 (ESV)
Stay blessed,
LaraLex
Hills and Valleys 