DCLM Higher Everyday 24 October 2023 — Christian Contentment
Topic: Christian Contentment
Text: 1 Timothy 6:3-11
4He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,
5Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.
6But godliness with contentment is great gain.
7For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
8And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
9But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
10For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
11But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
Key Verse: “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out” (1 Timothy 6:6, 7).
Message
Talking about contentment, Oprah Winfrey advises, “Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough.” Christian contentment may appear difficult, because our society and culture do not make it easy to be content. Society is always demanding that young people in particular conform to the new image it has established. Unfortunately, unlike the image of Christ, which never changes, the world changes its image as soon as its followers get close to achieving it.
As you already know, the world’s image constantly changes in the beauty industry. Apart from the knack for bizarre dressing and hair styles, many young people today are involved in the craze of carrying tattoos and piercings as marks of beauty. Some young girls also think they must have implants and all sorts of attachments to be attractive. Not true! As a believer, serve and obey God always and He will supply all you need. Remember, material things are ephemeral “But godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Timothy 6:6).
Quote: The world’s image constantly changes.
Challenge: Money, money, money and not enough for the avaricious.
Prayer for today: Dear God, help me to seek first your kingdom and its righteousness.
1. Admit that you are a sinner. "For all [humans] have sinned, and comes short of the glory of God....[and] the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 3:23)
2. Repent now. "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out ...[for] if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness " (Acts 3:19, 1 John 1:9)
3. Believe that God loves you and Jesus died for you. "God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet Sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8)
4. Invite Jesus into your life through prayer of faith. Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20)
