Are we ever like the person who has everything and doesn’t realize what they have until it is gone? Have we, who have so much become so consumed with having that we no longer really believe that it is more blessed to give than receive?
But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment. For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content. – 1 Timothy 6:6-8
What are we chasing after really? When we chase after things, are we chasing after life? I don’t think so. Paul is clear. Real life is found in being like Jesus. Real life is not found in the accumulation of stuff. Real life is found in godliness with contentment. We talk about life as our activities and stuff, but do we really find life in being busy? Does being busy fulfill us? Or is life something much more profound?
Paul points out that we should be content with food and clothing. He points out that when we came into the world we had nothing. When we leave this world we will have nothing of the stuff that we so often think of as life. Yet, life isn’t something that you leave behind, is it? Life is God. Life is the people that He has put in our lives to serve and love. God gives life. He defines it. It is God’s presence and leading that makes life truly wonderful. It is His absence that makes it a disaster.
So, I am left with two questions: Do I seek life, or just trinkets?! Do I have relationships or just activities? How sad would it be to discover that I am chasing after the stuff of life instead of real life. So, I will try to chase after real life. In Christ I find my purpose, my joy, my future. I want to spend my time loving and serving the people He has put into my life. What about you?
Something to think about,
Pastor John
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