This month I've gone with an app on my Droid that gives me a Bible verse a day, and then do an impromptu devotion.
The verse that came up today is Hebrews 13:5.
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."
I also looked this verse up on the website BibleGateway.com. Here is it's version.
Let your manner of living be without covetousness, and be content with such things as ye have. For He hath said, "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee"; 21st Century King James Version.The first version is easier to understand. It's pretty straightforward. I have tried to live my life being content with what I have. I have a nice house, a great family, a job, clothes, food, etc. I don't need the latest and greatest of things. Lately we have been going to too many first run movies. I also confess that I have been buying books more than borrowing them from the library. But being content with "things" is just part of it. Are you content with who you are? Are you happy with everything in your life?
If I would say yes, I would be lying. There are things in every aspect of my life that I am not content with. I am not content with my looks, my thoughts, my attitude at times. I try to be helpful, but end up making others upset. I try to be content and most of the time I succeed. But there are times that no matter how I try, I am not content. I am not trying to change others, but am I trying to change myself? If I am truly content with what I have, then should I feel happy?
Happiness and contentment does not go hand in hand. Being content means to be satisfied. Some people are never satisfied. They have to go, go, go. Some people need the biggest and best. Some need the newest and most improved. In this society, we are advertised to get the newest, brightest and most improved items. But if you have something that already works, then why do you need the newest or the most expensive? Status? What is that going to get you in heaven? Do you really care what your neighbor thinks of your new "toy"?
No matter what your status here on earth, God is the judge to please. And he promised to "never leave or forsake you." That is the thing I am most content with.
after reading the millionaire next door, you know what i realized? that those who aren't content will never have anything.
ReplyDeleteits not until you accept that your home, or car, or other possessions will never make you happy that you can truly begin to aquire assets.
and oh to be in a position to give like no one else!
I love that verse. Great breakdown of what that verse means to you :)
ReplyDeleteHave you ever tried swaptree.com?
It's pretty cool, you can put all your books on their that you don't want anymore and trade them for books you want. All you have to do is pay for shipping. I do it all the time.
I have to admit - satisfaction is something I struggle with. We have everything we need. But gone are the days when I can run out and get what I want. I struggle with praising the Lord for giving me what I need. Thanks for the reminder.
ReplyDeletexo Erin