“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. (Philippians 4:12)
Why does it seem the more we have the more we want? How much is enough in life? Many people with long lives remember times of plenty and times of scarcity. I remember well the first time I saved $1.01. I was so proud after digging for coins that were left in vending machine coin returns, finding coins on the ground, or turning pop bottles that I found into a big cash payout. 2 cents a bottle. There were no allowances until much later when my father and mother finally became more financially stable.
Maybe, the fuzziness of childhood memories interferes with reality, but in those days I was content. I remember when things did get a little better for our family, I started craving for more. M & M’s then orange and grape sodas. In high school, I would take my lunch money and go to a nearby restaurant and each French Fries with it instead of a good meal. Of course, with a lot of ketchup. Now, don’t tell me you never did that.
Then while in high school, I took on a summer job cleaning, changing light bulbs, scraping off old paint, painting, polishing, etc. at the high school. In 1973, I made $250. In 1974 I made $750. In 1975, I made $950. Then in 1976, I jumped all the way up to about $3,500. I worked all year in a factory while going to Junior College. I was able to buy a car!!! I loved the freedom that brought me. I was truly rich in a worldly sense. Even then, I looked back on how far I had come from my first $1.01. Was I content? Well, no. I wanted more. I put myself through college, and the rest is history.
However, nothing was more satisfying than making that first $1.01. I was content with that, but it seems contentment alluded me after, because the more I made, the more I wanted. To be sure, there is nothing wrong with being driven. If you have no drive, you won’t be any more content. There is a measure a satisfaction knowing that you have achieved, but those are short lived. Just ask all those running trophies I have from yesteryear.
Money does not buy a sense of long term peace and fulfillment. The simple reason is that trusting in achievements and material things can create problems and turmoil. God’s Word tells us, that the Lord Jesus Christ is the source of true contentment. When we rely on Christ, we will find, as Paul did, that he will strengthen us when we are struggling and even when we are not. It’s the same peace he provides in both instances. The Apostle Paul credited Jesus with his well-being.
Christ never leaves us. Lasting contentment is found when you know that you are accepted, loved, and valued, despite your current condition. You will find that in Jesus. Commit your life into a deeper relationship with him, and you will see.
Blessings, Pastor Darrell
