Do not wear yourself out to get rich;
have the wisdom to show restraint.
Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone,
for they will surely sprout wings
and fly off to the sky like an eagle.
Proverbs 23:4-5 | NIV84
Finding contentment in whatever circumstance you find yourself in can be quite the challenge, especially when it’s so easy to see others not struggling so much. It’s hard not to look upon earthly wealth as a means to solve many of the problems you face. Solomon, the richest man in the world at the time, wrote. “Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone,”. Those are wise words because what seems like a temporary solution to a problem invites other unwanted troubles later on down the road. Having a vision of the whole picture, the purpose of your life, is a good way to keep your focus on what truly matters and a way to find the peace you are seeking. The purpose of this life is to find God, to know Him intimately, and to learn how to model your life after Jesus. Such things are impossible without a personal relationship with Jesus and having the union of the Holy Spirit to guide you.
If you want contentment, look to where your heart is leading you.
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:21 | NIV84
If your heart leads to you worldly desires, then the world becomes your treasure. If knowing Jesus is your greatest treasure, then your heart will lead you to Him. The difference is, one is temporary, the other is eternal. One heaps on trouble, the other sets you free.
But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. 1 Timothy 6:6 | NIV84
When you read Paul’s words, keep in mind that the main focus is contentment. People associate gains with worldly wealth, but Paul says, godliness with contentment is great gain. Why is that so? Contentment is based on trusting the Lord, on putting your heart where your treasure is. It’s all about keeping the right mindset. It’s good to loosely hold on to things so that when someone else needs it, you can give it away. This world is temporary and so is the physical life you have been given, but your soul is eternal. Put your heart on seeking the Lord, the One who created your soul, and you will find great wealth that does not fade away or sprout wings and fly off like an eagle.
Selfless Surrender 