A friend, who consistently bets on the lotto, was so shocked to finally get four out of the six numbers in his ticket. He cannot believe it was possible to be that close to the jackpot, and he cannot begin to imagine how much his life would change if only he got the last two digits right. But how will our lives change really if one day we hit that pot of millions? Can we say that at this point we will finally be content in terms of finances?
Indeed contentment is subjective. Some people set a specific amount of properties and savings before they can finally say they are all set, while others get by day after day, finding joy in what they have in life even if to others they seem to lack a lot. Jesus personally taught us through the Gospels that our lives should not be spent pursuing worldly riches.
“Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” Luke 12:15
Yes, we need money and things to live our lives and sustain our families, but we have to know when we are already crossing over the line of greed. When we start choosing work over family just to earn more, so we can have the means to spend more, and impress other people more.
St. Paul the Apostle expounded on this topic in his letter to his protégée Timothy:
“Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people 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.” 1 Timothy 6:9-10
At the end of the day, we should realize the more important things in life. And we will only arrive at that when we are content with what we have. A life lived in contentment will allow us to be more grateful, and will allow us to enjoy our blessings like making memories with loved ones.
“The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.” Psalm 34:10
And this is exactly the point of St. Paul the Apostle when he mentioned that godliness and contentment is great gain. When we aim to please God, and we make ourselves aware and thankful for every good thing He has bestowed on us, we will get to realize that we need not much to live on and be happy. Besides, we can rest in the assurance that our other needs will be met, for our Heavenly Father knows what we need even before we ask Him.
“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 Timothy 6:6-8
Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to ponder on Luke 12:15-21 to dig deeper on today’s topic.
Reflection Question: Can you say that you are currently happy and content with what God has given you in all areas of your life? If not, what will bring you to that point?
Conversation with the Lord: Heavenly Father, thank you for assuring me that it is not material possessions that will make me live the abundant life. Instead, it is your presence in my everyday life that will make my heart joyful no matter the situation I am in.