But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we shall be content. – 1 Timothy 6:6-8

Scripture reading: Philippians 4

How often do you feel content with the circumstances, gifts, possessions, people, that the Lord has given to you? You feel very strongly that this is a prize you seem to be chasing your entire life. It can be so elusive. When Paul speaks of experiencing both sides, having little and having plenty, he tells us that he learned to be content (Phil. 4:11-12).

During a teaching and preaching trip in India, I noticed that each of the pastors I visited had at least one parent living with them. When I inquired into this, I discovered how normal this was. Parents did not save for their retirement because they had invested their lives in their children and knew they could depend on them for support in their later years. This struck me as a helpful foil to greed and the dream of future financial prosperity.

Do not bow to the idolatry of money, to the consumerist plague of our time. Resolve to treat your resources as God’s gift to you to be used for His glory. Give away as much as you are able. Live simply but share greatly. Do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing; do not be anxious. “You know that you yourselves have a better possession and an abiding one” (Heb. 10:34).

Suggestions for prayer

“Save me from the love of the world and the pride of life, from everything that is natural to fallen man, and let Christ’s nature be seen in me day by day.” – The Valley of Vision: Heart Corruptions

This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. Rev. Mark Stewart serves the Burlington URC in Burlington, WA.