Souls and wallets

Be content with such things as you have. – Hebrews 13:5

The book of Hebrew strikes a strange note for men and women living with the values of the 21st century. "Let your conduct be without covetousness," the writer urged, and "be content with such things as you have" (13:5). He wasn’t saying that having money is a sin, but it can be a problem. Our world has bought into the myth that riches and contentment go together, that they’re almost the same thing. Yet, many wealthy people who boast large bank accounts are not content. They always want more, and they live in dread that they will lose what they have.

"Be content with such things as you have." Well, what do you have? Do you immediately think of what’s in your savings account or stock portfolio? You are looking in the wrong place. The writer of Hebrews said that if you live with faith in the Lord of eternity, you have Him. He has promised, "I will never leave you nor forsake you" (13:5). You have Him, so you can say with confidence, "The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?" (v.6).

If you have everything else but the Lord, you don’t have much at all. If you have the Lord’s presence and little else, you can be content. Better to have a satisfied soul than a thick wallet. – Haddon W. Robinson

O Lord, help us to be content

With all that we possess,

And may we show our gratitude

With heartfelt thankfulness. – Sper

READ: Hebrews 13:5-6

Contentment is priceless.

The Bible in one year:

• 1 Samuel 15-16

• Luke 10:25-42