Read 1 Timothy 6:6–8

May I invite you to the shores of Lake Contentment?

Undisturbed by outside noises brought on by the jackhammers of exaggeration, those who enjoy the lake know what relaxation is all about. They know nothing of any winter of discontent (or spring or fall or summer, for that matter). Such an existence breeds security and happiness.

The Apostle Paul, once a raging workaholic, maintained a frenzied and stressful existence. Then he met Jesus who put him in a full nelson on the road to Damascus. Everything changed. Having found his purpose and pleasure in Christ, he wrote these penetrating, searching words:

True godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. 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. So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content. (1 Timothy 6:6–8)

That’s a simple list leading to contentment, isn’t it? Something to eat, something to wear, and a place to live. Period.

Funny how our lives contradict that statement. We find ourselves clawing, grabbing, hoarding, saving...rarely releasing, seldom giving. According to legend, the wealthy John D. Rockefeller was once asked, “How much does it take to satisfy a man?” With rare wisdom, he answered, “A little bit more than he has.”

On a “contentment scale” of one to 10, what number would the Lord give your life right now? Is it the right time to rethink your priorities so you can begin living more simply? How valuable it would be today if you’d examine your priorities and motives against the standard of God’s Word. Consider a couple of questions: How would the pace you are maintaining measure up against the words of Jesus...or the principles modelled in the life of Paul? How many more years will you strive for more and more for yourself and for your family? I urge you to give those questions some honest thought today.

Devotional content taken from Good Morning, Lord...Can We Talk? by Charles R. Swindoll. Copyright © 2018. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, a Division of Tyndale House Ministries. All rights reserved.

The full devotional can be purchased at https://www.tyndale.com/p/good-morning-lord-can-we-talk/9781414380681.