Introductory Thoughts
True contentment only flourishes within the lives of committed followers of God's word. Three important truths aid in fully comprehending scriptural contentment: (1) Man was born into this world with nothing (1 Timothy 6:7), (2) Upon death, man leaves this earth with nothing (1 Timothy 6:7), and (3) God declares that man should be content when provided with food and raiment (clothing) (1 Timothy 6:8). Understanding and accepting these three truths helps cultivate a true sense of godliness and contentment. This is why the Bible defines godliness combined with contentment as “great gain” and warns those who will be rich that they fall victim to temptations, snares, and many foolish and hurtful lusts (1 Timothy 6:9). Interestingly, the Bible warns the covetous man that all of his earthly possessions during a lifetime of accumulation will be left behind for someone else to enjoy (Ecclesiastes 2:17-21). Contrariwise, the contented man with few possessions has his possessions enlarged into “great gain.”
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): Name a few things that you have eaten today. Are you wearing shoes or socks or a shirt right now? Let's take time to thank God for giving us these necessary things.
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(For everyone): Has God blessed you with food and raiment? Has God blessed you with more than simply food and raiment? Why do you think that even with these necessities, we tend to murmur for more things?
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What things do you most desire? Will you take these things with you once you die? How long do people generally live? Compare that to the length of eternity. Should your time, strength, and life focus on things that will last a few years or those that will last forever? (Meditate for a moment on the eternal rewards in heaven and the souls of men, women, boys, and girls on earth.)
Prayer Thoughts
- Ask God to help you spend time labouring for the eternal rewards.
- Thank the Lord for your food and clothing.
Song
I SING THE ALMIGHTY POWER OF GOD
