Good day
As we look back on 2020 and give thanks to God for bringing us through and looking after us (that we still have our jobs, an income, a roof over our heads, that we're able to buy food, etc.), We also take a moment to thank Him for being the God He is - for always showing mercy and forgiveness, always prepared to welcome us into His presence regardless of how far we may have drifted off, for being patient with us, for reaching out to us, for correcting us and teaching us ... We thank Him for His comfort, encouragement and grace ... We thank Him for always being good and choosing to love us the way He does. Amen.
As we enter 2021, many of us may have set out goals for this year, things we want to accomplish and see come to pass. Some may want more money, a promotion, a bigger house, a nicer car, etc. There's a desire or ambition for wanting more or better; and whilst this is all fine and well (because it is important to be ambitious and have a desire to achieve better), the question we need to ask ourselves here is, are we content now in our present state or are we waiting to accomplish all those things first before being content or happy?
... Because we often tend to look at what we don't have, it means we very seldom take the time to reflect and be content and grateful for what we do have. We want the bigger house or nicer car without taking the time to reflect and be thankful for the house or car we currently have and consider that there's others who may not even have a house or car. We want the promotion and money without taking the time to reflect and be thankful that we at least have a job and an income whilst others may be retrenched as a result of companies closing down or having to cut back on staff as a result of the present economic climate; those who are struggling to find jobs or find an income to feed their families, etc.
Most times, this desire for more starts by looking at what others have, realising that we don't have the same, and then wanting what they have.
When we focus on what we don't have/everything that needs to be improved, and the more we dwell on those thoughts, it can trigger a sense of want and even frustration. We then start asking questions and reflect on why it's delayed/taking so long and if we're not careful, in that moment we lose our position of peace and joy. It can lead to bitterness or resentment towards others who may be involved (an employer, a spouse, a family member, etc.), and if we're not careful, cause us to make decisions that we otherwise wouldn't have made.
Let us take a look at a few scriptures that talk to the above situation:
1 Thessalonians 5:18
In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Timothy 6:6-12
But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
Hebrews 13:5
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."
Phillippians 4:11-13
I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Matthew 6:31-33
“Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
As I mentioned earlier, I believe it's important to be ambitious and have a desire to achieve better, but at the same time we shouldn't have to wait until we achieve those things before it determines our stance of peace or strength that God wants us to be in. We shouldn't act out in frustration but rather take the time to seek God and find out from Him how to best address the situation at hand. As the scriptures mention above, we should maintain an attitude of being content in all circumstances, knowing that we brought nothing into this world and can take nothing out of it; that we must guard ourselves from the temptation of chasing after and being lovers of money and things because God knows that we need all these things. Instead He says not to worry about it but rather focus on seeking His kingdom first and His righteousness and these things shall be added to us.
Amen