Contentment

The Ten Commandments conclude on the issue of coveting. Webster defines coveting as “to desire inordinately”. God is well aware that we have a tendency to be “owned” by our desires instead of “owning” them. We are often driven to possess and then ultimately that drive possesses us. Jesus described this issue in Luke 12:34 when He said, “For, where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” These words of Jesus are just as fitting for us today as they were to the very first audience. In this brief statement is a call to correction as well as an invitation to freedom.

With that in mind, I absolutely love this time of the year. Even though it is a bit busy there are so many family and church traditions that just make me feel like I have a place in this big world. Thanksgiving is just around the corner. So it is good for all of us to consider a few questions.

·        Are you thankful?
·       Are you content or are you coveting?
·        What do you want and why?

If we are going to enjoy our lives and be good stewards of what God has provided for us it is vitally important we address the issue that our culture wants us to covet. It is built into our “healthy economy” as well as the “American Dream”. I can say that I want something better for my children and that is not automatically destructive or misdirected. But, if that thing I want for them is based on stuff or titles or so many other things that are not in God’s perfect will for them then I am setting them up for a life of dissatisfaction.

As we reflect on the Ten Commandments we can ask the question, “What does God want us to treasure?” The answer is relatively obvious. God wants us to desire loving God and people. When I use the word “love” I mean to live our lives as givers to God and others. I mean that we find our contentment in trusting God as we serve others. This stands diametrically opposed to the concept of looking at others and coveting what they have.

Contentment is a gift from God that will defeat the temptation to covet. You will also find that there are some tremendous by-products of contentment such as joy, clarity, balance and a sense that your life has significance just as it is in God’s Kingdom. God will provide each and everything that you need to live your life as His beloved child. He never fails and He never falls short.

So, let’s be content!
Pastor Nick