“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.’”

Hebrews 13:5
Ads, displays, and sales pitches can brainwash us into thinking the more spectacular and expensive the gift is, the better it will be. We lose the beauty and power of simplicity.
I grew up in Africa learning a great deal about simplicity. I often observed that the people there with the least material items had the most authentic joy. Material stuff didn’t clutter their lives. They overflowed with gratitude. They focused on what truly mattered in life.
If material things were the key to happiness, why are so many famous, wealthy people we know of miserable? Our material ambitions often have us living to “keep up with the Joneses” instead of “keeping in step with Jesus.” Think of how He came—in the simplicity of a stable out behind an inn, into the arms of everyday parents, to life as a carpenter’s son. The trappings of our world did not hinder Him as He brought the magnificent gift of salvation.
We can make it our “ambition to lead a quiet life” (1 Thessalonians 4:11) because Jesus gave His entire life for us!



Scripture Focus

1 Thessalonians 4:9-12

Insight

Father, remove my longing for earthly things that don’t matter. Give me instead a desire to be filled with You. Amen

Bible In A Year

  • Daniel 11-12
  • Proverbs 10
  • Hebrews 13

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