“Be Content With What You Have”

To follow up on last weeks discussion on folks that are in the "Jesus Business" I want to discuss the concept of being content with what we have, something I have rarely heard from people who teach this peculiar “ology”.
Here are several verses that address contentment.

Phil 4: 10-12
10 I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. NIV

Paul through the tough times was content with his circumstances because his focus was on Christ and spreading the gospel. He always managed to do just that regardless of his circumstance because he learned to be content with what he had. Why? How?
Phil 4:13 "I can do everything through him who gives me strength." NIV

This concept is buttressed by this verse from Hebrews:
Heb 13:5
5 Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said,
"Never will I leave you;
never will I forsake you." NIV

There is a great admonition in the Old Testament. I thought I would go there since so many in the "Jesus Business" live in the Old Testament.

Ecc 5:10
10 "Whoever loves money never has money enough;
whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income.
This too is meaningless." NIV

Lack of contentment leads to unhappy lives and in the long run it all means nothing since we came into the world naked, and will leave it the same way.
1Tim 6: 7,8 NIV
7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.NIV
WOW! There is that word again!

Think about these points, pray about them and when you do ask yourself what the accumulation of material wealth has to do with spreading the gospel if that wealth is not used to spread the gospel.


Until next time may the LORD bless us and keep us. In Jesus name I pray.