Simplicity and Contentment
The life of John D. Rockefeller is an interesting study in that he did much to shape American business and in his later years became a model for philanthropy. He believed from an early age that he was to make as much money as possible and then use it wisely to improve the lives of others.
As America's first billionaire Rockefeller was wealthy beyond imagination and has to be considered one of the wealthiest men in all of history. Yet in spite of his wealth, it seems his heart was never satisfied. He was once asked how much money is enough, to which he replied, "Just a little bit more." The human heart is without restraint.
Intuitively we all know that the secret to contentment, and thereby a life of inner simplicity, is not in satisfying our every desire but in being satisfied with what we currently have. The author to the book of Hebrews writes, "Let your character be free from the love of money, being content with what you have" (Hebrews 13:5a).
The apostle Paul makes the same point in writing to Timothy when he says, "If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content" (1 Timothy 6:8). And finally, Paul reminds us that "Godliness is a means of great gain, when accompanied by contentment" (1 Timothy 6:6).
In a culture where more and bigger are held out as always being better, we need to be vigilant in guarding our hearts against becoming discontented with our current circumstances. Whether it be the house we call home, the clothes we wear, or the cars we drive, we can choose to be content with what we have--or not. The choices we make each day will either lead us into greater levels of freedom to do God's will or into a bondage of serving our possessions.
Take a few minutes and examine your heart. Invite the Holy Spirit to reveal those places where He would have you make changes in your attitudes, desires and spending habits.
Finally, choose to be content and experience new levels of freedom and joy each day.