As Americans, we have been accused of being spoiled as it pertains to our lifestyles, and there probably is some truth in these allegations.
A lot of us complain if we don’t have exactly what we want to eat or if we can’t buy new clothes on a regular basis. We think it is unfair if we can’t drive a newer car or live in a house with more room than we need. We think we are entitled to electricity, heating, air-conditioning and cable television. We think we deserve all of the modern technology and all of the expensive toys that are at our fingertips.
The problem is not that we are prohibited from having nice things but rather that we should be thankful for what we do have. We should be content if we don’t have things above our needs.
The Bible addresses this lust for things. It tells us that we should keep our lives free from the love of money. We should realize that this love is the root of all evil and that it can take us down a road of dire consequences.
The Apostle Paul tells us that if we have food and clothing, then we should be content. He learned to be content in times of plenty as well as in times of need.
The writer of Hebrews supports this idea by saying that we should be content with what we have.
The Bible does give us assurance that as believers, we are promised that our needs for necessities will be met. Jesus said that we shouldn’t worry about what we will drink or eat or wear because the Father knows we need them. He said that if we seek him first, then all of these things will be given to us. Paul said to the Philippians: “My God will meet all of your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”
So, if we put Christ first in our lives, then we can live with the assurance that our needs will be met and we can learn to be content with what he allows us to have after that.