When I think about the word 'happiness,' I often think about my wedding day, the day my sons were born or what it would feel like driving around in my brand new, fully loaded car and what it would feel like to walk around in my new million dollar mansion. Children can imagine happiness on Christmas morning when they see what gifts "Santa" brought them or at a birthday party when they see all of the presents stacked up on the table. For my 3 year old son, happiness is running through the sprinkler in his underpants or drawing on the sidewalk with chalk. Everyone wants to be happy and will chase whatever it is that they think will make them happy. Some will spend money on things only to discover that those things didn't satisfy them as much as they thought, which creates another desire to get something else. Sadly it is the pursuit of happiness that causes many marital problems and financial nightmares. We are never satisfied with what we have and constantly try different avenues to find happiness only to discover that didn't make us happy either.
In Philippians 4:10-20, we find Paul's writings on contentment. He writes in verses 10-13:
"I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you have no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 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 want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength." (NIV)
Paul was content in his life because he could see life from God's point of view and he focused on what he was supposed to do and not on what he should have. His priorities were in order and he was grateful for the things God gave him. In verses 19-20, Paul reminds the Christians in Philippi that God will supply their needs:
"And my God will meet all of your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen."
We trust that God will always meet our needs, not our wants. Paul knew how to be content whether he had plenty or whether he was in need. Learning to rely on God's promises will help you be content. If you always want more, ask God to remove the desire to want everything you long for and ask Him to help teach you contentment in every circumstance. He will supply your needs, but in the way that He knows is best for you.
We live in a materialistic society where we desire everything we don't have that others do and we can never have enough money. Jesus teaches us about the dangers of money in Matthew 6:19-24:
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rusts do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also....no one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money."
Jesus makes it clear in this passage that having the wrong treasures leads to our hearts being in the wrong place. What we value the most will control us. If the desire for money and "earthly" things become more important to you than your service to God, then you need to step back and gain control of your desires as you also ask God for forgiveness. Jesus calls for us to be content with whatever we have because we as Christians have accepted Him and are heirs to the King! Our riches are in Heaven which is where our hearts and desires should be focused. We have chosen an eternal richness over temporary, earthly treasures. As Christians we know that what we do for Christ here on earth is blessed beyond our riches. The things we desire here on earth will not be taken with us once we leave this world behind. We can spend years collecting worldly things that we find temporary happiness in, but those things will break down, rust or get stolen just as Jesus reminds us in verses 19-20. Can you honestly say that God, and not the desire for money, is your master? If you spend more time thinking about money or earthly things than you do thinking about your service to Christ and reaching the lost, then money is your master!
The next time you see your "dream house" or "dream car," remember the promises of God. He supplies all of our needs from His riches (Philippians 4:19) and He meets the needs of those who seek His kingdom and righteousness (Matthew 6:33). Psalm 34:10 says,"Those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing." Be content with what you have and do not be jealous of how God has chosen to bless others. If you find that the desire for earthly things overpowers your desire to be content, ask God to remove the longing for material things and to reveal to you the things that He has blessed you with. You will be surprised about all the things you do have that were hidden by your desires for more. Ask Him to take away the desire of wanting everything you don't have and reveal to you those things that He knows you need. When you find contentment in your every day life, you are more focused on Christ and His plans for you. Don't take lightly the things He gave you for He can also take them away.
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