Contentment vs. Greed: Does God Provide Enough?

In this world, contentment is hard to find! Everywhere you look you are bombarded with images of things you "need". Whether you are watching TV, scrolling social media, or just hanging out with your friends, you are constantly reminded of things you don't have. In addition to that, we have services that can bring the things we don't have to our doorstep the next day! How do you find contentment in a world that is constantly telling you that what you have isn't enough?

The Biblical definition of contentment is to be free from care because of satisfaction with what is already one's own. The Hebrew meaning is "to be pleased." How pleased are you with what you already have? If I'm honest, I doubt a day goes by that I don't think of something that is missing from my life? I am sure some of those things I really need, but most of what I consider a need is actually a want. Matthew 6:25-26 tell us not to worry about these things, "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?" Needs are food, clothing, and shelter! That's a basic survival list. What if I spent more time being grateful for what I already have and less time desiring the things I don't?

Paul addresses this topic in his first letter to Timothy in chapter six. In verses three thru five, Paul admonishes false teachers, "If anyone teaches otherwise and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, they are conceited and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain." Pastors were teaching that godliness, the quality or practice of conforming to the laws and wishes of God, would create wealth. This is a false Gospel because God promises to provide for your needs. He does not promise to give you wealth.

Paul continues his teaching with, "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." (verses 6-8). He is explaining that godliness leads to contentment, which is a great gain. When you live a life that pleases the Lord, you will be content because you trust Him to take care of you. You might not have everything you want, but it is enough.

Next, Paul gives a warning about wealth, "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." (verses 9-10). This does not say having money is wrong; Paul is warning that money can be a snare for some. I heard a pastor say, "As long as you have money and money doesn't have you, you are fine!" Our world operates off money, so you need it to survive. However, if you want money more than you want God, you will never be content. You will always be seeking more and more.

How do you ensure you do not become greedy? Paul states in verses 11-12, "But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses." Our job here is to flee or run away from sin and pursue righteousness. When you spend your day seeking ways to please God and be closer to him, the things of this world become much less important.

All this reminds me of the hymn "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus". The same line is repeated over and over, "Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in his wonderful face and the things of Earth will grow strangely dim in the light of his glory and grace." When you shift your perspective to what truly matters, contentment is waiting on you! You have a Heavenly Father who loves you and wants to spend eternity with you. This world has nothing to offer that can even compare!

God IS enough! If you struggle to believe this, contact us. We would love to help you seek Him and His provision for your life. Being content is a blessing from God that you will only experience through a personal relationship with Him.

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