Continuing Thought for the Week [5.25.21]
I Timothy 6:6-10: But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
Main Thought for the Week:
First of all, let me start off by saying that I don’t feel that it is wrong to have money or material things. I also don’t feel that money is evil in and of itself either. I believe that Paul is telling Timothy that the quest of anything without God being the center source of fulfillment and joy, can be a trap. I also believe that He is saying, allow God to be the source of all that you have or desire to have. Take note that in verse thirteen of this same chapter Paul says this to Timothy: “But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.” In other words, pursue the things of God, those things that produce true fulfillment. Food will run out. Clothes will wear out. Money will will cease to be available at times. Houses will eventually fall down and cars will rust or fall apart after a period of time. Most things don’t last forever and being content with things, especially things that are temporal and fleeting doesn’t last forever either. Contentment is a choice and this week I want to talk to you about 5 ways that you can learn to be content.
5 Ways to Learn to be Content:
- Realize that contentment doesn’t come naturally for most.
- Understand that there is a difference in being content and in being satisfied.
- Be thankful for what you have.
- Don’t compare.
- Know that contentment is God’s plan for you.
So, let’s look at number two> 2. Understand that there is a difference in being content and in being satisfied. To be satisfied means that you are content or fulfilled, but usually only for the moment. Content however, means that you limit or control your own requirements, desires or actions. Meaning, you don’t have to continually strive for more, because you know that your sense of self worth and value doesn’t come from just having more of something. Especially something that doesn’t really satisfy or fulfill anyway. Satisfaction is momentary. Contentment is continual. Satisfaction is appeased outwardly. Contentment is something that is felt, sensed and known inwardly. If you are never satisfied with what you have, chances are, you won’t be satisfied with what you get. Remember yesterday how we talked about Paul saying in Philippians 4:11 that he doesn’t speak in regard to want? But, that he has learned that whatever state that he is in to be content. I pray that you and I will be able to say the same thing. Someone said that the grass may be greener on the other side of the fence- but it also may be artificial turf. Don’t seek after things that won’t satisfy in the long run. Learn in whatever state that you may find yourself in- to be content. It is my prayer that as we journey through this week that you will continue to find a greater sense of peace and contentment in your life! See you tomorrow.
Key #1: Focus on what you do have, instead of focusing on what you don’t have!
Key #2: If you’re never satisfied with what you have, you won’t be satisfied with what you get.
