1 Timothy 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.

Talk about a verse of Scripture that is at odds with modern society! Both the godliness and the contentment seem to have been thrown out the window by a huge number of people. However, some people seem to be waking up to what they have done, and even secular publications occasionally tout “the simple lifestyle.” That said, consumerism is the norm. Personal debt is rampant because we can’t seem to understand how much we don’t need. The average American lives in a level of luxury that would have been almost unimaginable even a couple of generations ago, but we are constantly buying more with money we don’t have. The next verse is a truism: “For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.” (1 Timothy 6:7) Sadly, we pay it no more than lip service. The following verses talk about the damage we do with our lust for stuff, but we pay them no attention. This whole passage is in a way an extension of what Jesus said about treasure in heaven. (Matthew 6:19-21) If we get our priorities straight, all kinds of things fall into place and we have peace and joy this world knows nothing about.

Growing up in a missionary household, materialism wasn’t very big in our awareness, but at the same time, we lived in circumstances that seemed luxurious to many of those around us. Space is at a premium in Japan, and we lived in a large house, designed by my mother, and had a large yard and drove an imported car. I know now that the land we lived on would have been at least four if not five building plots for Japanese houses. It made no difference that none of that belonged to my family personally; we had full use of it. When the land was given to the City of Fukuoka in exchange for reclaimed land by Seinan University, where we lived was made into a park! I have lived the reality of Jesus’ famous statement, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33) I have experienced this as an adult as well. We have had times that were financially tight, but God has been incredibly faithful. Our income level is hardly remarkable, but what we have generally seems to last a long time! I need to keep my focus on that which lasts forever, which is my relationship to my Lord. If I will do that, then Elon Musk, “the richest person in the world,” has nothing on me!

Father, thank You for Your incredible grace, mercy and faithfulness. Help me indeed keep my eyes on Christ Jesus my Lord (Hebrews 12:2) and leave everything in Your hands, as a good steward of all You provide, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!