Contentment and Gain
When every form of media, the internet and road sign screams for our consumerist attention- what does the Bible say about materialism and consumption? Whooo boy! Deep dive here:
So let's have a serious look at just three of the many scriptures that speak directly to this topic.
Jesus stated plainly “Take care! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed and covetousness; for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.” (Luke 12.15) Does greed ever enter into the frame? At times we know it does... but either way, true life according to Jesus has zippo to do with our possessions.
The writer of the Book of Hebrews calls Christ-followers to "Keep your lives free from the love of money, and be content with what you have; for he has said, “I will never leave you or forsake you.” (Heb. 13.5)
Note "Keep your lives free from" is OUR responsibility, not God's. So what about rejoicing for what He gives us, and how to measure true gain? True gain is a growing relationship with Father/Son/Spirit. Please read that again!
Let's face the fact that desires for ever more material stuff isn't what Paul meant when he wrote "godliness with contentment is great -gain-"! (1 Tim. 6.6)
Yes, gain is recognizing WHO Jesus is and that He loves us and is WITH us. The sky-high promises of God, to be -with- Jesus where He is after this world is "rolled up like a scroll", forgiveness of all our sins, eternal life with our heavenly Father and all the true lovers of God... THAT dear ones, is GAIN- and no link to capitalism, oligarchy, consumerism or materialism is involved!!!
Finally, in this rather short post on the topic, consider the reality of art therapy and the many poor and poorer-living simply By Choice folks who have imagined, studied and learned to make do with what they have -or can either freely or very cheaply procure to help them produce things they need including tools, musical instruments, etc., etc.. Then, they share it. Wow. What a concept of loving one's neighbor. What some consider loss is truly grace-giving gain.
And as always, thanks for stopping by! -Glenn
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