Focus On Contentment

On a recent trip, I drove from my house in the mountains of Arizona, USA, to a small town about 45 minutes away and considerably higher in altitude. On the way, I noticed a large herd of cattle scattered across a lush meadow, knee deep in grass — all except one. That one had its head through the wire fence that borders the road, determinedly munching on whatever was growing on my side of the fence. Not only wasn't the grass as good as what the cow could have had if it had joined the rest of the group, but the prongs of the wire strands must have been digging into both sides of its head.

Sometimes, I'm like that cow, poking my head into something that I think will be better than what I have. One time, it was a different type of job that I thought I needed. Thankfully, I never got past the second interview, as I know now that I'm not the right personality for it. Then, on a more minor note, there was the expensive jacket that I just had to have — and didn't need — but bought it anyway. I finally gave it away eight years later, having worn it only a few times.

1 Timothy 6:7 – For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. (NKJV)

There's an old saying that no one ever saw a funeral hearse pulling a U-Haul truck filled with that person's possessions. Yet, many of us succumb to the temptation to accumulate items and gadgets that will eventually wear out, become obsolete, end up forgotten in the back of the closet, or offered at a yard sale. Or we obsessively pursue activities or jobs that take us away from what should be our primary focus: worshipping and serving God. I say "we" because I've done these!

Where is our focus? We'll never have enough if we're focused on earthly treasures. One survey found that most people thought that if they just doubled their current income, they'd achieve "the American dream". But Scripture tells us, "be content with such things as you have." (Hebrews 13:5b NKJV) And Jesus says, "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6:19-21 NKJV)

Let's strive to be like the people that Paul advised Timothy about: "Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life." (1 Timothy 6:18-19 NKJV)

Prayer: Lord, sometimes we're so focused on these earthly treasures that we forget what is really important — preparing ourselves for eternal life with You. Help us to lay up treasures in heaven instead of on earth. Amen.

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About the author:

Sharon Cook <craftercook@gmail.com>
Apache Junction, Arizona, USA
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