content with what you have

Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Hebrews 13:5

So every year at this time my heart is exposed to a deluge of materialism. Gift giving at Christmas is a great and noble tradition. But unfortunately intense marketing and financial strain now come with the tradition every year. In American, millions of dollars in consumer debt will be racked up over the next couple of weeks in pursuit of the perfect gift.

But a heart free from the love of money and living in Christ’s kingdom can celebrate Advent without this strain. Let the constant commercial jingle bells ring... we have known the greatest gift of all — eternal, abundant life in Jesus. And hearts that love Him will not be lulled into debt and greed by the siren song of money. Why? They have the God of the Universe always with them. No sum of wealth may equal that kind of rich life!

Lord Jesus, 

Thanks for being with Your people always... to the end of the age. You will never forsake us. Money will disappoint. The love of this world’s goods will enslave us with debt, maintenance, and deterioration. But you have set us free to worship You with hearts liberated by the contentment that You offer us. Thanks that I may find my soul’s peace, security, and sustenance in You.

Amen