Today is the 9th Day of New Life Covenant's 21-Day Fast. We are
fasting and praying for many things...one of them is self-control and
discipline in our financial lives. To that end, members of the church
and its pastors are writing daily encouragements. Thought we'd share them
with you. Be blessed!CONTENTMENT VS. LOVE OF MONEY
But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. (1Timothy 6:6-10)
He that trusteth in his riches shall fall: but the righteous shall flourish as a branch. (Pro 11:28)
No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. (Luke 16:13)
There is a video from the Skit Guys on greed (look it up if you have a chance) that depicts several individuals who have lost sight of focusing/investing in the truly important things in life (like relationships, looking outside of ourselves and our selfish desires to be focused on others). These folks simply try to buy more stuff and do more (empty) things, but never truly find contentment. Contentment eludes them because they are not seeking it. Instead, they are always looking for more and more and more and more….engaging in futile acts, attempting to apply bandages to their deep inner wounds.
Contentment by it’s dictionary definition means satisfaction; satisfied with what one is or has; not wanting more or anything else. On the surface, this definition may sound like settling or giving up on dreams, hopes or ambition and certainly not anything that is in line with our Christian beliefs….
After all, the Bible says in Deuteronomy 28:13a “…And the LORD shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath.” Reading that scripture, one would ask.. “Why would God ever want me to be content with what I have, not wanting more or anything else?” Are these statements mutually exclusive? Can both be true at the same time?
Spiritually, the question is not one of “not wanting more or anything else” so much as it is an issue of the heart....Can I appreciate and show gratefulness for what God has provided for me right now, or does my heart fail to acknowledge God’s goodness and provision and thank Him for where I am at this moment.
God’s focus is always on the greater things and He wants those greater things for us, but He wants us to be Heavenly focused and not distracted by ungratefulness, greed, fear, envy, worry and doubt.
…But rather seek ye FIRST he kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:33
Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. (Luke 12:31, 32)
God, help us to be content in our hearts with the place that you have us at this time, while EXPECTING the greater that you have in store for us as we turn the corner in 2016!
-David Baker
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