Way easier said than done. Be content? Well that is the approach we should have, content with that which God has provided. Our needs are those things that are to be met, not our desires. Those desires are the thing of temptation.
“8But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. 9But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.” — 1 Timothy 6:8-9 (ESV)
I see too many situations where it is the desire for more that that which is needed and provided where I fall. I have to understand that what I need is vastly different than that which I desire. I hear regularly from others that they “need” something and yet if they were not to receive it, there would be no change to their situation or future. One does not need a new car, bag, shoes, video game, house, watch, or other things. It is food, clothing, and a roof over head that are the needed items and the LORD is the provider of all of those.
Yes, some have been blessed with more than others, and for that I should be excited for them. Those with the big houses and fancy cars and expensive clothing have been provided for in their way from God. Do they “need” all of those things, that is not for me to decide. And, I am not in the inner circle of their lives and relationships and as such am in no position to determine if those are provided for them or if they are fulfilling some sort of desire and have fallen into the temptation of material things. I have to turn my attention to me and my relationship with the LORD and know that He has provided for my needs and that is enough.
Being tempted by the things of this world are a part of this world. I have to remember that I am dedicated to the LORD and all that He has provided and all that He has tasked for me. It is in contentment that I find truth in the LORD and then I am able to move on to those things that are more impacting to those around me and not just being self serving with the accumulation of material things that are of no use to me when I leave this world.
What things do you have that have been provided by God? Are you working to accumulate even more through the temptation of the worldly things? What if you were content with the provision of your needs that comes from the LORD as opposed to looking to the material things that the world tempts?
Trevor's Thoughts 