John D. Rockefeller, the founder of Standard Oil Company, was the first US billionaire and in his time, the richest man on earth. He was what's called a magnate - a wealthy and influential person, a great man, especially in business. Legend has it that one day, Rockefeller was asked by a reporter, “How much money is enough?” He calmly replied, “Just a little bit more." In that simple answer, John D. Rockefeller displayed the satiety problem we have in America. The word sated means enough. A lack of satiety means we are never satisfied. Nothing is ever ENOUGH - as much or as many as is required. In what places do have have more than what's required?
Some don't believe they can ever have enough money, clothing, possessions, or status. Though we all have the same 24 hours allotted us, many think there's never enough time. How many shoes or sneakers, purses, cars, or homes do we really need? How many degrees or achievements will fulfill us? How much food, fun, and drink will satisfy our emptiness? What pulls us to always desire, "Just a little bit more?" Author Garrison Keillor prayed, "Thank you God, for this good life, and forgive us if we do not love it enough." He, like Oprah Winfrey, think a lifestyle of gratefulness curbs our discontent and allows us to say what we have and who we are is "enough." Do you believe you have and are enough today? Christ followers know JESUS is more than enough to satisfy our longings, though we are not enough on our own...He graces us to be enough in Him.
Contentment is another antidote for dissatisfaction. Paul wrote, "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 all this through Him (Christ) who gives me strength." (Phil 4:12-13, NIV) It's amazing how few times I've heard this Scripture quoted in its true context—contentedness.
Paul taught his protege Timothy that greed is a recipe for disaster, and that holy living should not be viewed as a way to financial and personal gain, "But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that." (1 Tim. 6:6-8) Paul knew with the challenges he and the New Testament Church were facing, they couldn't hold the luxury of discontent. He experienced life in Christ as more than enough. |
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