“Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work — this is a gift of God. He seldom reflects on the days of his life, because God keeps him occupied with gladness of heart.” (Ecclesiastes 5:19-20)
Let’s be honest. Ninety-some percent of us reading these words would have to admit that on any kind of a global scale God has given us wealth and possessions. Are you willing to enjoy the ones you have?
Thousands of years later, the Apostle Paul wrote a chapter in 1 Timothy much like this one in Ecclesiastes. He said this: “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.”
Someone told me recently that one of the secrets to living with and without money is to learn to “want what you’ve got.” Don’t just collect toys; play with them. Don’t resent today’s work; accept that this is what God has for you today. Be great at it and/or have great fun doing it. It’s his gift to you.
Think: What are the top 5 things you want out of life that you already have? When was the last time to admitted that God gave you those things to enjoy because he loves you?
Pray: Ask God to help you to put all of your hope in him. Thank him that he richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.
Do: Read 1 Timothy 6:6-10 and 17-19. Notice the similarities between what we’ve read from Ecclesiastes 5 this week and what Paul had to say about money and contentment. Also catch what Paul wrote about sharing our money.