For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these. 1 Timothy 6:7-8
Be content with just food and clothing?
But what the American Dream?
Striving to get ahead?
Giving our kids more than we had?
Our pension and IRA?
Does Paul, does Jesus, really expect us to have … nothing?
The key is “content.”
Our lives are short.
Eternity is long.
Stop investing your striving, your energy, in things,
Things you won’t have for very long.
“Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.”.
Separate your needs from your wants.
Identify where the world’s wants
Have infiltrated yours
Master your wants.
“Thou shalt not covet.”
Our charge is to carry the gospel.
Make disciples. Glorify God.
Grow the kingdom.
Not amass things.
“The Gentiles seek after all these things.”
Are we discontented? Jealous?
Feel slighted or bitter?
Instead work for discipline,
Generosity, hospitality.
“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.”
Be content.