Topic: Godliness with Contentment [Wednesday 15, June 2016]
Memorise: But godliness with contentment is great gain. – 1 Timothy 6:6Read: 1 Timothy 6:6-11 (KJV)
6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.
7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
Bible in One Year: Nehemiah 1-3, Ecclesiastes 7:19-29
MESSAGE:
The moment a person makes up his mind to focus his passion and life on seeking after the things of God, he becomes very content with life. There are lots of people who are not enjoying their lives because they are being consumed with the mundane things of this world. As a child of God, your focus and attention should centre on the Word of God which will help you live life with a sense of fulfillment. It is not the abundance of what you have that determines the joy that you get in life. I have been privileged to get close to many wealthy and influential people, and I have concluded that the best kind of life is a life of simplicity. There are people, who focus on gaining worldly possessions, but those who know the essence of life will focus on things of the spirit and they will not allow the lust of this world to consume their hearts.
“I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.” - Philippians 4:12
Paul had learnt how to content in poverty and in wealth. This should also be the life of every child of God, because it is only in Christ that one understands the purpose of all things. Paul learnt how to be poor without complaining about his circumstances. He knew how to go about his life in situations of want knowing that God was in charge of his life. It is no news that the greatest problem of man is greed; it is also the major cause of underdevelopment in many nations, as those that have been entrusted with the resources are continually greedily trying to acquire more money. As believers, we must know how to possess money without money possessing us. We should not follow the examples of those who have allowed money to become an idol in their lives. Any time we are in need, we should call on God; it is only Jesus Christ who gives strength to overcome the despair and discouragement of such moments, and any time we are in wealth, we need Christ to help us exercise full control over the wealth. There is nothing we go through that we don’t have the power to endure because our strength is of the Lord. We must not become obsessed with the gains of this world at the expense of our souls, especially since it not possession that brings happiness. Christ is the source of happiness; therefore, it is the foundation we have in Him that determines the extent of our contentment in life. We must not allow the process of getting rich deny us the ultimate satisfaction and joy in Christ Jesus. We should not become spiritually bankrupt because we are on a quest to get rich. We should not stray away from the faith because we want money. God is more than able to supply all our needs as we put our trust in Him and follow His instructions for our lives.
Prayer Point: Father, please help me to find rest in You.
Open Heavens Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer's Ministries.
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