3:363 – Content AND Striving

#faithbites #faithjourney content

Setting

The end of the year is almost here, which for many, means new years resolutions. Usually these are because they are not content with something they have and want to make a change. Nothing wrong with that at all. As I was thinking about the new year, and just where I am in general, I have been wrestling with the feeling that I should be content with what I have and stop pushing myself crazy. The more I thought about that, I realized that I can and should be happy with what I have, but that doesn’t mean I can’t strive to be a better person. It doesn’t mean that I need more stuff or have to prove anything to anyone, just that I can enjoy the blessings God has given me AND want to expand my knowledge.

Just like many #faithbites, this is an easier said than done concept. Many in my life would love to have what I have and yet, I don’t feel content. Is it that I’ve been trying to fill my God Hole or is that I’m trying to enjoy my life AND do better. It’s also not about replacing what we have with something else as that’s a no win situation, it’s striving to be better stewards and use our gifts fully.

In a nutshell, how to we strike the balance between being content with our blessings and striving to be better?

Scripture

• 1 Timothy 6:6-12 – ⁶ But godliness with contentment is great gain. ⁷ For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. ⁸ But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. ⁹ Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. ¹⁰ For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. ¹¹ But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. ¹² Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

Reflection

Sometimes we pursue things that we think will make us content. Those things may be good and may not be. The question to ask is are we striving for that which is righteous, godly, full of faith, love, endurance, and gentleness? We see that God wants us to keep up the fight and keep striving for better things as long as they are in line with his goodness.

When we pursue things just to have them in our possession: money, games, food, cars, or whatever, we fall into the trap of evil. It doesn’t mean any of those things are bad, we have to look at why we want those things. Will they help us serve better, love better, or share God’s glory better? If so, then keep on pursing. If not, maybe you need to change your path.

For me, I need to appreciate everything that God has blessed me with AND see where he wants me to go. Not an easy thing to do, but with the help of God, all things are possible.

Challenge

What are your hopes and dreams? How are you pursuing them? Why are you pursuing them? Ask yourself these questions and WRITE THEM DOWN. This will help you focus on what you are striving for.

What do you have in your life that you are thankful for/ How are you using them to serve God? Ask yourself these questions and WRITE THEM DOWN. This will help you focus on being content with what you have.

Prayer

Father God, thank you for everything you have given us. Many times we are not content with our blessings and want more. Help us to be content with what you have given us AND search for ways to better serve you. Be with us as we try to move more form the physical and material world into the world of love, peace, and understanding. Lord, we pray for your direction as we seek balance and growth. In your name, Amen.