GOD HAS PROMISED TO SUPPLY ALL OUR NEEDS

That’s what worries me, because His idea of “needs” may not square with my idea of

“wants”.

“Godliness with contentment is a great means of gain… If we have food and covering, with these we shall

be content.” (I Timothy 6:6, 8)

My problem is that I not only want food and covering, but also a full menu of choices as to

what kind of food… and covering He is to supply. Israel had the same problem:

“In their heart they put God to the test, by asking for food according to their desire.” (Psalm 78:18)

Then there is the problem of wanting to be rich:

“Those who desire to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which

plunge men into ruin and destruction… ” (I Timothy 6:9)

I wonder if our appetite for wealth has something to do with our desire to have more than

one day’s provision at a time. Christ taught us to pray for “daily bread.” (See Matthew 6:11) In

supplying the Israelites with manna, God allowed them to pick up only one day’s provision

at a time. If they attempted more, the manna rotted! (See Exodus 16:20). Obviously, God

was dealing with their greed and teaching them to trust Him one day at a time.

So, what does “godliness with contentment” mean? Try this:

“That I will view work as a sacred trust and responsibility. That I will conscientiously seek to

provide for my family while balancing the other legitimately competing demands in my life

(family, church, ministry, personal growth, etc.). I will then rest the issue of income and

standard of living with Him. I and my family will determine to be content with however and

with whatever He chooses to provide (whether it is a day’s provision at a time, or a year’s).

COVETOUSNESS IS DISCONTENTEDLY WANTING AND EVEN DEMANDING AS A RIGHT THAT GOD AL-

LOW ME TO LIVE AT A LEVEL THAT CATERS TO MY WANTS. When these “rights” are not met, I

become discontent… even angry. AND WITH THAT GOD IS NOT WELL PLEASED.