Perspective Shift: Student EditionSample

While being a disciple of Jesus isn’t about how much, or how little, money is in your bank account, it is about what we care about. In Matthew 19:16–22, a rich young man asked Jesus how to find eternal life. In verse 21, Jesus said, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” The young man “went away sorrowful”, because he had a lot of possessions. The truth is, he didn’t own possessions as much as they owned him. Paul shared the secret to contentment in today’s verse—the strength of Christ! We often associate Philippians 4:13 with overcoming obstacles, but its biblical context is Paul’s message of contentment. God gives us the strength to be content because we can’t find it ourselves. But true contentment in a culture of more, more, more is a marker of God’s people! Contentment in either crisis or comfort is a powerful witness to God’s strength working within you. And it may just be one of the most powerful ways you share your faith with the people in your life who desperately need the hope of Jesus!

• Recite this week's memory verse: Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content" (Philippians 4:11, NKJV).
• Do your possessions own you more than you own them? How does that show up in your life?
• Is there anything in your life God is calling you to leave behind so you can experience true contentment?