July 13, 2023 | Martin Luther – Day 6

 

 

“Nothing is better than to walk in the Word and the work of God and so to fashion one’s heart that it is quiet and satisfied with the present state of affairs.”

Martin Luther

 

Mahatma Gandhi once said, “The earth has enough for every man’s need but not for every man’s greed.” The Taoist Philosopher Lao-Tzu taught, “There is no calamity greater than lavish desires. There is no greater guilt than discontentment. And there is no greater disaster than greed.” And the Word of God states in 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.”

 

The three religions featured in these sayings do not agree on many things concerning God and man’s purpose upon the earth, but they do agree on this, greed is a negative force.

 

Unlike the other two, however, God makes it clear that we don’t have to fight the battle of greed alone. Paul told the church in Philippi, “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:11-13).

 

In a worldly sense it’s our human nature to yearn for more, to build up our own tiny kingdom so that we are never in want. Motivated by our own evil desires, we lust for what we cannot have so that we might justify our own existence.

 

Yet God calls us to greater things. Instead of yearning for what we do not have in this life, He asks that we look forward to the day when we will want for nothing in the next. 1 Corinthians 7:17 says, “Let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him.”

 

In doing this our focus can revert from the lust for the temporary things on earth towards the positive things of God that will last for an eternity. By living our lives, content with what we have, we are better able to prepare for our new life to come.

 

Today, take time to thank God for all the blessings He has showered on you and strive to be content with what you have been given.

 

Our Prayer: Heavenly Father, human words could never properly express the love you have shown in providing for all our needs. Help us to be satisfied with what we have been given as we look forward to even better things to come. Amen.