We live in the land of plenty, there is an abundance of everything and anything people want is available to us. Truly we are a blessed people - materially. Even in a tough economy people have material wealth beyond the dreams of many peoples around the world.
Yet as our culture dictates that it is by these material blessings that one will find happiness, that message stands in stark contrast to the reality of life and the message of the Bible.
1 Timothy 6:6-10, "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. People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs."
The Apostle Paul wrote that to a young pastor in the first century. He wanted him to understand that contentment comes from a life lived in harmony to God. Contentment is something that so many seek yet few seem to find.
Today around our nation and even in our community there are many who have so much, all the latest toys, the latest gadgets, the newest software, hardware, or phone. Yet they find that those things, as nice as they are, do not bring satisfaction to their soul. Then when they loose some of those things, many are despondent and depressed over that loss for that is where their treasure was.
In Matthew 6:21, Jesus said, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Jesus gave us the groundwork that your treasure is where your heart is. If your heart is on materialism then when it is gone, life will be miserable. Then the apostle writes the text we began this article with and I believe he gives us a picture of where a heart will be content no matter what life brings.
First he speaks of "godliness," a life lived knowing God and following his precepts will bring contentment.
Second he reminds us that life is more then things: "We were born with nothing and will live the same." So for the believer daily provision will be enough to satisfy.
Thirdly he reminds us of the foolishness of materialism. He calls it "temptation and a trap that ruin many." Why is that? Because the "love of money" is a root of evil.
Money and things are neutral in and of themselves but the pursuit of things, be that power, fame, things or money will never bring happiness. The Bible tells us that the soul of a man or a woman finds fulfillment in being in right standing with God and that Jesus came to justify sinful people to a Holy God.
Have you considered what brings contentment in your life? Search out the Lord, worship him, and I believe you will find what your soul needs.
Rich Lammay is pastor of High Sierra Fellowship and is a member of the Carson Valley Ministers' Association.
