Compiled By: Lisa K Gonzales
From: The Life Application Study Bible
5 “Stay away from the love of money; be satisfied with what you have. For GOD has said, ‘I will never fail you. I will never leave you.’ 6 That is why we can say with confidence, ‘The LORD is my helper, so I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?’” ~ Hebrews 13:5-6
How can we learn to be satisfied with what we have? Strive to live with less rather than desiring more; give away out of your abundance rather than accumulating more; relish what you have rather than resent what you are missing. See GOD’s love expressed in what HE has provided and remember that money and possessions will all pass away. – “Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to get along happily whether I have much or little.” – Philippians 4:7 – Paul knew how to be content whether he had plenty or whether he was in need. The secret was drawing on Christ’s power for strength. Do you have great needs, or are you discontented because you do not have what you want? Learn to rely on GOD’s promises and Christ’s power to help you be content. If you always want more, ask GOD to remove that desire and teach you contentment in every circumstance. HE will supply all your needs, but in a way that HE knows is best for you. Most often the desire for more or better possessions is really a longing to fill an empty place in a person’s life. To what are you drawn when you feel empty inside? How can you find true contentment? The answer lies in your perspective, your priorities, and your source of power. – “And this world is fading away, along with everything it craves. But if you do the will of GOD, you will live forever.” – 1 John 2:17 – When our attachment to possessions is strong, it is hard to believe that what we want will one day pass away. It may be even harder to believe that the person who does the will of GOD will live forever. But this was John’s conviction based on the facts of Jesus’ life, death, resurrection, and promises. Knowing that this evil world and our desires for its pleasures will end can give us courage to control our greedy, self-indulgent behavior and to continue doing GOD’s will.
We become content when we realize GOD’s sufficiency for our needs. Christians who become materialistic are saying by their actions that GOD can not take care of them the way they want. Insecurity can lead to the love of money, whether we are rich or poor. The only antidote is to trust GOD to meet all our needs.
Father GOD help us to stay away from the love of money and to be satisfied with what we have – especially during this time of year when most people are spending more than they have simply because it is a “time to give”. Help us to remember Father, what it is we are supposed to be giving, and that this world and all that is in it, will fade away along with everything it craves.
Photo: Alpine Meadows (South Lake Tahoe California)
Photo By: Lisa K Gonzales
Click on the photo to enlarge
