A Valuable Life Lesson

 

We learn many lessons throughout our lives. Experience is a great teacher, but sometimes we know to do something and must train ourselves to do it.

This week I was asked, “What does it mean to be content?” Perhaps most people would agree contentment is when we’re not worried about things; we have a sense of peace and satisfaction.

Some would argue contentment is in content, things they own. They want to accumulate even more. Their focus is entirely earthly, not a heavenly thought is hiding anywhere in their mind.

Jesus taught that one’s life does not consist in the abundance of possessions (Luke 12:15). In fact, the parable He shared to make His point is titled “The Parable of the Rich Fool.” A farmer with an abundance of crops decided to build bigger storage barns, and then take it easy. He thought I can eat, drink, and be merry for many years (Luke 12:16-21). He was entirely self-focused.

Jesus had another occasion to teach that eternal life was more important than things. A rich young man was interested in eternal life and asked Jesus about it. When Jesus said it was important to keep the commandments, he felt pretty good, because he already did that.

But when questioned further, Jesus said, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me” (Matthew 19:16-22). The young man was very unhappy because he had great wealth and didn’t wish to part with any of it.

You can read more about eternal good deeds, generosity, and giving to others in 1 Timothy 6:17-19. But the Apostle Paul, a dedicated missionary/evangelist/and church planter said he had learned to be content. He found Christ gave him strength to do what was needed; it did not depend on his circumstances (Philippians 4:10-13).    

How far have you come in this life lesson? Our first option is to learn to give freely to God. 2 Corinthians 9:6-12 says God loves a cheerful giver and that giving is a way of thanking God for His provision.

Next, comes a focus on others. That could include your local food bank, missions, your care for a family in need, thrift store donations, Christmas projects, or donations through wills and trusts.   

It’s a personal choice (2 Corinthians 9:7). Feel free to jump right into the Contentment Learning Pool, even if you try the shallow end first.

Swimming Pool by gbeaty on Pixabay.

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