6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 1 Timothy 6:6-8

How many of us are contented with just food and clothing? Ooo. That’s a tough one, isn’t it? That sharply contrasts our society, which says more more more inside and outside our churches. The more inside church is yet another building project to be used for more ministry. Of course the more outside our churches is how business gets done. One business grows and needs a new building, so up it goes. Bigger and better. It’s also how jobs are created in society so I’m certainly not knocking business.

Marketing screams “more” or “better” or “you deserve it.” So where then is the balance?

I live in one of the wealthiest cities in America. In Texas, everything bigger must be better so they build things bigger down here. They know it and they brag about it here. To note, I live across the street from the most expensive high school football stadium in the country ($63 million). Well, the neighboring city to the north built an even larger and more expensive stadium this year.

Contrast that to an even larger State in the country, Alaska. They know they’re the largest but they don’t need to brag about it. The entire State of Texas could fit inside Alaska and then some. They are contented with who they are and what they do. The millionaire next door might live in a log cabin. It’s just how they roll up there.

We need to be reminded about our role on this earth. It’s not to get more and more things. Dying with the most toys doesn’t win a thing.

Think of the things you own. Are you content with those or do you need bigger and better? Do you even need them? Are you contented with your kids or are you pushing them to be something towards what you want instead of what they want?