“8But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.” — 1 Timothy 6:8 (ESV)
I see this verse and when I think of all that I have accumulated over the years of my life, I think, “…but, I really need…” This house is important. My car. My designer clothing. My computers and home office. I have all of these things that I use and have value create efficiency and I am happier for having them.
The thing is that those things, where they may make me feel better and create for comfort, they are not the things that are required in life to make it. The verse above outlines just what is required in this world, food and clothing. The very basics are what I “need”.
I think back to my grandparents and just what they had as I was growing up. They had each other and what was in their homes. There were many Christmases where we as family would gather around them and would gift them one of our luxuries with the intention that they would get the same value out of it as we did. They would simply look at the item and offer a sincere thank you for the gift. I could see the bewilderment on their face and looking back now, realize that they never used the item as the value we saw was not something that was of value to them. They were happy and content with their lives and all that they had, even as it may not have been the “latest and greatest” things.
I see now that I am older and have worked on my priorities that what really matters is what we are able to do in the name of God. What and how are we able to do those things to impact others in a positive way and not what we can accumulate that will provide our comfort.
“6But godliness with contentment is great gain, 7for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world.” — 1 Timothy 6:6-7 (ESV)
Paul points out that all that we accumulate over our time here in this world was of no consequence when we arrived and is no of no consequence when we leave. Why then should we work so hard to accumulate and keep while we are here. I have to remember that which is important, pleasing the LORD and bringing glory to Him while I bring the gospel to the world. I do not “need” all those comforts, it is only “food and clothing” that are required.
What things are you holding on to that are not really required? Are you accumulating things under the impression that you “need” them? What more would you be able to do in life if you were to realize that what you require are as simple as “food and clothing” to be content?
Trevor's Thoughts 