Contentment is a rare commodity in our materialistic world. There is always something better or, perhaps, just an updated version of what we already have in our possession. But, all too often, when we finally get the thing we earnestly desired, we are struck by the discovery that its possession simply does not bring the feeling of satisfaction we expected. We are left longing for something else. It is a vicious cycle, a slavery from which we must seek deliverance.
The apostle Paul addressed the danger associated with a greedy, materialistic mind-set, saying, “But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment. For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content. But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs” (1 Timothy 6:6–10).
Is there something inherently evil about material possessions? Certainly not. But, there is danger to be avoided–namely, the danger of giving higher priority to the possession of earthly wealth than to the possession of spiritual treasures. In the light of eternity, it is foolish to lose ourselves in the things of this life. John exhorts us, saying, “Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever” (1 John 2:15–17). The only treasure that will endure is the treasure we lay up in heaven.
The real tragedy is to miss out on the riches of heaven in order to seek material riches. Jesus says, “Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions” (Lk. 12:15). Our society judges a man’s worth by the faulty standard of what he owns, what he wears, or what he drives. In this, parents have a great responsibility to set a proper example of contentment before their children.
While there are no easy answers or short-cuts in accomplishing this monumental task, teaching our children to express thanks is a great start. The Bible says that we are to give thanks in everything (1 Th. 5:18). While we are living in a day of unparalleled prosperity, it seems strange that our greatest danger should be the danger of forgetting God, the source of all our blessings.
Consider God, His blessings, and our need to say “Thank you, Lord!”