True Contentment

“Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.” Philippians 4:11-12

Standing in line at Kohls for an hour and a half on “Black Friday”, I had a lot of time to reflect on the commercialism surrounding Christmas. But commercialism isn’t just for Christmas anymore. From cupids to turkeys, leprechauns to Easter bunnies, each and every day the world cries out buy, buy, buy! Buy stuff for you! Buy stuff for your friends, family, pets, neighbors, coworkers! Buy stuff for the people you don’t even like!

What does the world tell us?
• Buying equals love. The more expensive the gift, the more love shown. (think car and diamond commercials!)
• It’s on sale, so you might as well buy two.
• Contentment comes from finding the perfect gift.

What does God tell us?
• I am “bought with a price”. (1 Corinthians 6:20)
• To “Store up treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal.” (Matthew 6:20)
• “…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 6:7-8)

Will we ever learn that peace and joy come from Jesus Christ alone? He is waiting for us to take hold of His perfect gift… which doesn’t need returning or exchanging, and never wears out!