The Contented Life Daily DevotionalEgzanp

Be A Blessing

My father diligently worked to climb the corporate ladder to achieve the position of his dreams. Part of his determination resulted from his upbringing in scarcity and poverty. As he began to succeed financially, I noticed as a teenager that he had also changed how he talked and how he gave his time and resources to others. He no longer spoke of his childhood with pain and shame but focused on what he could do with his life, and if he was given wealth, it was for God's glory. As an adult, I witnessed him unashamedly challenge family, friends, and colleagues who were fearful about their investments to surrender their money, time, and talents to God's work.

Proverbs 14:30 says, "It's healthy to be content, but envy can eat you up." This begins in your mind. How much time do you spend thinking about what others have, what you'll miss out on financially if you don't act now, or tightly guarding what you do have out of fear? If you allow the spirit of greed to influence you, it quickly brings discontentment and ruins your enjoyment of the path God has for you. Life is not measured by how much you own; however, what you give can be measured forever. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you guard against greed, bring perspective to what you have, and share with others.

My dad is now in heaven. Some earthly assets were left behind and continue to bless many. But most importantly, he left an example of how living a life of contentment and joy is possible when you share what you have, knowing your hope is anchored in Jesus Christ. True possessions are waiting for you!

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By: Cheryl Koop