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| Pastor Troy Gamling |
“Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have.” Phil 4:11 (Paul)
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?
According to the Barna Research Group, the average American
adult believes he needs an additional $8,000–$11,000 per year to live comfortably. Tracking studies show, however, that even when adults reach or exceed the income levels to which they aspired, they still claim they need another $8,000–$11,000 to live comfortably.
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. 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.
In the fifth century, a man named Arsenius determined to live a holy life. So he abandoned the conforms of Egyptian society to follow a simple lifestyle in the desert. Yet whenever he visited the great city of Alexandria, he spent time wandering through its shops. Asked why, he explained that his heart rejoiced at the sight of all the things he didn’t need.
Are you focused on the things you need instead of pining for the things you don’t? That’s our goal today... to change our point of view as to what’s important. God will provide those things for you. No need to worry... He knows your needs and will meet them every time.
I suggest taking the energy you might spend on acquiring wants and invest it in other areas. Read more, study the Bible more, take care of your body more, journal more, or serve others more... So many things we can do to BE more rather than just HAVE more.
It was once said, “Be content with what you have, never with what you are.”
Good advice...
