If there were one great message that all those who struggle with not having an abundance of this world's goods could hear, it would be this simple yet profound premise for happiness: Great wealth is not related to money! It is an attitude of satisfaction coupled with inner peace, plus a day-by-day, moment-by-moment walk with God.
Sounds so right, so good, doesn't it? In our world of more, more, more . . . push, push, push . . . grab, grab, grab, this counsel is long overdue.
In a word, the secret is contentment.
Contentment is something we must learn. It isn't a trait we're born with. But the question is how?
First, it really helps us to quit striving for more if we read the eternal dimension into today's situation. We entered life empty-handed; we leave it the same way. We are simply renting space. Life on earth is not the life we are destined for.
Second, it also helps us model contentment if we'll boil life down to its essentials and try to simplify our lifestyle: something to eat, something to wear, and a roof over our heads. Everything beyond that we'd do well to consider as extra.
It's foolish to trust in riches for security. They bring no lasting satisfaction. It is God alone who supplies us "with all things to enjoy" which leads to contentment.
"Tell those who are rich in this world not be proud and not to trust in their money, which will soon be gone. But their trust should be in the living God, who richly gives us all we need for enjoyment.
Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and should give generously give to those in need, always being ready to share with others what God has given them.
By doing this, they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may take hold of real life" (1 Timothy 6:17-19 New Living Translation).