THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22
Luke 12:13-34
1 Timothy 6:6-8

“…having food and raiment
let us be therewith content.”

THE FOLLY OF THE PROSPERITY GOSPEL

Life consists not in the abundance of things possessed. Security is not measured by money, and contentment is not attained by luxuries. A man asked Jesus to divide an inheritance with his brother but was rebuked and warned not to be covetous. Jesus then told a parable of a rich man who was not content with his riches and still aspired for more. The man thought he was so secured to enjoy life. God called him a fool for he died that night. We must be content with what the Lord provides. Those who desire to be rich to enjoy the pleasures of this world forget that they can carry nothing out of this earth.

True security is in God’s riches, not in this world’s. Jesus therefore implied that it was better to be rich toward God and to receive the priceless treasure in the Lord Jesus Christ and the assurance of His Kingdom. This satisfaction is real and will never end nor will it be taken away. Let us seek the eternal treasures and leave behind that which are temporal.

Even as God feeds the ravens, He will feed you also. Jesus teaches us not to worry about our daily provisions for life is more than meat! Eternal life is much more important. The crows which do not sow nor store are not worried about their food, but man worries about his next meal even before consuming all that is on his table.

God clothes the grass, He will clothe you also. Thank God for a healthy body, but worrying about what to wear will cause weariness of the flesh. “And having food and raiment let us be therewith content” (1 Tim 6:8). He will take care of us. Missionary Jim Elliot was quoted, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.” Are you willing to give up what you cannot carry into heaven?

THOUGHT: Am I content with what the Lord provides for me?
PRAYER: My heavenly Father who created and has sustained me until this very day, give me a heart full of the blessed hope of heaven.