What you have or Want Is Not What Life Is About.
“God will supply all your needs from His own glorious riches.” Philippians 4:19 NLT.
My thoughts and comments today are about,
“WANTS AND NEEDS.”
As I look at our increasingly secular culture, the culture of my generation was very different. We were taught old fashioned values such as: know the difference between your wants and needs, live modestly within your means, always be a good neighbor, put others before yourself, be grateful for God and proud of your country, value faith and family first, use cash not credit, save for the future, be thankful and content with what you have. The Apostle Paul is a good example, “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation.” Philippians 4:12 NIV. “Godliness with contentment is great gain . . . if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that” See 1 Timothy 6:6-11 NIV.
In stark contrast, the current culture seems to entice you in subtle and not so subtle ways to want more than you can afford, to have more than you need, and to crave everything your neighbor has. In the subtlety and practical application, current values are seductive. Material possessions can become a little too important, as well as becoming an inaccurate measure of success and importance. Do not believe that what you have is who you are; you are so much more.
How has this cultural change come about? There is a false philosophy that started as early as man’s origin in the Garden of Eden, a false philosophy that proudly claims that you can have it all, and you can have it now. Read Genesis 3. That was exactly how the devil seduced Eve and deceived Adam. They had it all in abundance, except for one small thing. The fruit of every tree was theirs to enjoy, except one. Somehow, she was lured to believe that without that, God was withholding something from her that she could get on her own. Well, you know how the story goes from there.
Too many people have financially bankrupted themselves trying to have it all now, and at an even higher cost have bankrupted their souls in the process. You were never intended to have it all. It is not possible to have it all now. Listen to what Jesus advised, “Don’t be greedy for what you don’t have. Real life is not measured by how much you own.” Luke 12:15 NLT. Following the counsel of the Word of God will spare you a lot of needless grief and worry. Meanwhile, be content and faithful with what you have.“ Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.” Read Luke 16:10-12 NIV.
The things that you have or want are not what life is about. Nor are those where true happiness and contentment can be found. Here is some Godly counsel. “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have.” Hebrews 13:5. “Don’t be greedy for the good things of this life, for that is idolatry.” Colossians 3:5 NLT. The problem is your wanting things before God provides them and acquiring them without regard to their cost, now and or later. Best to live with this conviction born of God’s Word, “God Who takes care of me will supply all your needs from His own glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 NLT.
Greed is an inordinate, unholy insistence of wanting more than God has yet provided and attempting to gain those things however you can as quickly as you can. That never works out the way you hope. “Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs, and He will give you all you need from day to day if you live for Him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern.” Matt 6:32-33 NLT.
Today, I pray for you to trust your Heavenly Father for what you need and be grateful for all you have.
Christian Communications 2018
Website and archives: allenrandolph.com