I Am A Rich Man

 

I Am A Rich Man

     Soft bed.  Warm house.  My bathrobe’s hanging on the door.

     Kitchen.  Coffee’s waiting.  Fill ‘er up to see what’s in store.

     Laptop.  Cozy chair.  My fingers at the keys.

     I could.  Want more.  But contentment is my need.

1 Timothy 6:6 “But godliness with contentment is great gain.7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.”

Furthermore,

Hebrews 13:5 “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”

Likewise,

2 Corinthians 9:7 “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.”

     Stuff.  Comforts.  We work and amass pleasures about us to keep us from pain like a bird feathering its nest.  But what marks a mature Christian?

1.       1. Godliness is priority one.  Compromise is not known to acquire more.

2.       2.  Fellowship with His Spirit is enough.

3.       3.  Being full, the believer gives even out of sacrifice.

      We are pots without holes.  Blessings fill and we pour out at will.  In contrast, the world offers a colander.  Blessings in and drain through.  Want keeps its people desperate able to be manipulated.  Independence declares, “I don’t need your stuff to make me happy.”  Dangerous people give freely.  Jesus was a dangerous man.

Ecclesiastes 6:7 “All the labour of man is for his mouth, and yet the appetite is not filled.”

     But Jesus commands another way.

Philippians 2:3 “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.”

     The local church is an excellent vehicle to help individuals discover others’ needs.  Social and economic statuses are cut through as the mix worships together.  When members are real, naked need is exposed.  We then are given the opportunity to serve.  Unlike this world, it feels good to help unconditionally, that is, without return.

     I am a rich man.  I have surrendered my stuff to His service.  I possess yet I do not hoard with white knuckles hanging on.  Stewardship means get, maintain, then give.  As a reservoir behind a dam, God fills and we work to let water at the appropriate times.  If I listen, drought is thwarted.  My brother’s need is satisfied with my blessing.  In that I am rich.  

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