1 Timothy 6:7-8 (NLT) After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can't take anything with us when we leave it. 8 So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.
Yesterday's verses encouraged us to flee from the love of money and things that lead to our ruin and pursue better things, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness and a right standing with God. I closed with a stanza from "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross" and the line that struck me was "all the vain things that charm me most".
When I sent out the verse to those of you on Facebook, I accidentally posted it through my son Jeff's account. Most of you know that Jeff suffered a TBI years ago and is permanently disabled. Looking back, it was fitting that it was sent out from him because I don't know of anyone who embodies the "godliness with contentment" than Jeff. He is happy, loving, appreciative and content with his "wonderful life" and shares those things with anyone who takes the time to get to know him.
I got to thinking of the things that "charm" him most. He loves and appreciates his mom and dad, family, his aid, his church family and friends. He looks forward to going to church, hearing from and appreciating Pastor Bob and his sermons. He loves pizza but is content with whatever we happen to be eating on a given day.
Today's verses remind us of what we need to be content with. Being content with these things frees us to pursue and appreciate the more important things like Jeff does. I am amazed at the things I can and need to learn from Jeff and other people with "special needs" who have a better grasp of what contentment is about.
Jeff, I love you man!
1 Timothy 6:6-11
New Living Translation (NLT)
6 Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. 7 After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can't take anything with us when we leave it. 8 So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.
9 But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.
11 But you, Timothy, are a man of God; so run from all these evil things. Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.
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