Be Content
You must not covet your neighbor’s house. You must not covet your neighbor’s wife, male or female servant, ox or donkey, or anything else that belongs to your neighbor. Exodus 20:17
At the heart of covetousness (envy) is a belief that we have the right to something that isn’t ours. Maybe we think the world owes us more than it has given. Perhaps we think we’ve earned it or deserve it more than the person who has what we want. Whatever the reason, we convince ourselves that we need something that someone else has.
But Paul gives us a better perspective.
Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. Philippians 4:11-12
Paul was well educated and had an important position in the government. But he gave it all up for the life of a traveling preacher, living on donations from the church and occasional tentmaking. He suffered multiple beatings and lengthy imprisonment. Yet he said he was never in need.
His focus was not on what he lacked. Instead it was on God, trusting Him for all his needs.
Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.” Hebrews 13:5
Be content because God’s got you.
We may never understand why some have more than we have. But we can be sure that God knows what’s best for us, and for our purpose in building His Kingdom.
“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Matthew 6:25-27
Keep Seeking the Kingdom!
Heather Penner
Youth Ministries Director
