Paul had learned that skill. He realized that either way,
contentment does not come naturally. Even in an era and place with far less of
the conveniences of life than I have, this man had his experience with wealth
and knew the temptation to be taken up with earthly things, always wanting more
and forgetting God in the pursuit of possessions. Yet he did learn.
Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:11–13)
I also have experienced something of the extremes. I’ve
been without enough money to buy groceries. I’ve also experienced having more
than enough. It is certainly more difficult to be full and stay close to God than
it is to do that when funds are scarce.
The reason for this is that my old, sinful nature tends
to pride and to do my own thing. This is more of a danger when all needs are
taken care of and I do not have to worry where my next meal or next pair of
shoes is coming from.
God is good. He blesses some of His people with material
abundance, but along with prosperity are many tests. As I downsize the “stuff”
in my home, each drawer and shelf is part of that test. I’m asking questions
like, “Do I really need this? If I give it to someone who does need it, can I
depend on God to take care of me without it? If I keep it, will I be satisfied
with it? Or with God?”
Of course, I believe that God will satisfy me, but I know
that learning how to be content with needs is easy. It is much more challenging
to learn how to be content with lots — for if I have, then it will not matter if
it stays or if I must box it up and take it to Goodwill.
Lord, I know that a person’s life does not consist in the
abundance of the things that he owns. At the same time, it is easy to slide
into a dependence upon those things instead of truly relying on You to supply
all my needs. Liking what I have is not what Paul meant about being content
with plenty. Contentment means that I am settled and joyful, not because of our
stuff or even because You have blessed our lives with prosperity, but because
of Jesus Christ who grants me grace in whatever state I am.
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