Philippians 4:12-13, “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. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.”
The Book of Ecclesiastes was written by a king whose name is associated with the word “peace.” Solomon was famous for his wisdom. He ruled in a city which attracted the wealth of surrounding nations and during his oversight the people of God saw the construction of the temple. This man of wisdom understood life on this earth and wrote about his observation as he considered the vanity and vexation of this world. He writes in Ecclesiastes 4:4, “And I saw that all labor and all achievement spring from man’s envy of his neighbor. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind.”
Most people have heard the phrase, “Keeping up with the Jones.” Pastor Rick Warren saw a sign that said, “Don’t worry about the Jones. They just filed chapter 13.”
Please understand that the whole of Scripture is not against the desire to acquire good things, the problem is what the Bible calls “coveting” which is the uncontrolled desire to acquire what your neighbor has. Today this sin is often referred to as “materialism.” Advertisers have spent billions knowing mankind’s bondage to covetousness.
There are four Biblical truths that will enable you to enjoy the contentment the Apostle Paul knew. One, “Do Everything in Christ’s Name.” Two, “Have a Fear of Covetousness.” Three, “Find Contentment Through Generosity.” And Four, “Have Your Hope In Eternal Things.”
In a day in which the Bible warns that the love of many will wax cold, the children of God can maintain a Biblical perspective and be content in every circumstance in life. Learn the contentment Paul knew!
Recent Comments