The Grace of Being Content

1 Timothy 6:8

“So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.“

The last of God’s Ten Commandments–and probably the most difficult to obey–deals with the sin of covetousness.

Exodus 20:17

"You must not covet your neighbor's house. You must not covet your neighbor's wife, male or female servant, ox or donkey, or anything else that belongs to your neighbor."

Luke 12:15.

Then Jesus said, "Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own."

This warning introduced His parable of the rich man whom God called a fool.

Luke 12:21

"Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God."

And how does one have a rich relationship with God?

Matthew 6:20

Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal.

Matthew 6:25"That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life-whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn't life more than food, and your body more than clothing?

Matthew 6:33

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

We Christians–especially in an affluent society such as ours–all too easily fall into the trap of being possessed by our possessions and may even think these possessions are somehow God’s reward for our “godliness.”

1Timothy 6:5-6

But Paul says those who suppose “that gain is godliness” are “destitute of the truth.” We need to remember that in God’s sight “godliness with contentment is great gain” …These people always cause trouble. Their minds are corrupt, and they have turned their backs on the truth. To them, a show of godliness is just a way to become wealthy.…Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth.

And Paul said, we should strive to be able to say sincerely :

Philippians 4:11

Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have

God has promised to supply all our needs if we are faithful stewards of what He has entrusted to us. Therefore, God’s Word commands: …Hebrews 13:4-5…Don't love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said,"I will never fail you. I will never abandon you."