The Lord has graciously allowed me to see people in many parts of the world. Several years ago on a short mission trip, he sent me to one of the poorest nations in the world. where most of the people were friendly, happy, and satisfied. Upon my return, I traveled through many of the richest nations in the world where people were hostile, depressed, and wanting more. A man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions. (15)
John the Baptist said concerning greed, “The man with two tunics should share with him who has none, and the one who has food should do the same.”
Tax collectors also came to be baptized. “Teacher,” they asked, “what should we do?”
“Don’t collect any more than you are required to,” he told them.
Then some soldiers asked him, “And what should we do?”
He replied, “Don’t extort money and don’t accuse people falsely–be content with your pay.” (Luke 3:11-14)
Apostle Paul wrote, “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:12-13)
Considering some who taught false doctrines that included “Godliness is a means to financial gain,” the Apostle Paul wrote, “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. People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men 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 6:6-10)
Live and rejoice in God at the moment and be thankful for what he supplies today. Worrying about tomorrow is like smoke in the wind. “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:5-6)
