Contentment in True Riches
By Mandi Polly
Mitchell County
“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” – Matthew 6:19-21 (KJV)
Think about this for a minute. You are the only person on the Earth and there is no need to have an awareness of anyone else’s wealth or lifestyle. Would you be content with what you have? Would you feel you have all that you need?
Now, compare your possessions and lifestyle with a super successful millionaire that you follow on social media or watch on TV. Do you still feel good about your life, or do you have a bit of envy? Sometimes we all would like to have more in life; whether it be a newer vehicle, a nicer house, or even a dreamy vacation to a place you have never been.
Today’s society makes others’ lives too easily accessible, and it is even easier to hide the negative. That’s the problem. You only see part of the story. You can’t see deep into that person’s life and no one’s life is perfect. The struggles, heartaches, and all the ugly stuff are hidden. No one wants those things on display for the world to see. But the truth is, we all have ugly stuff in our lives, and we can try to hide them from almost everyone, but Jesus. He sees us where it counts, our inside.
The other issue with wanting more is that these things are very temporary. Houses rot, cars stop running, vacations end and even fame or power doesn’t last forever. If we place our hopes and dreams into these objects, then we are devastated when they don’t last.
Jesus says that our true riches are found in our hearts and what we do for the Lord. When we focus on our eternity with Jesus, our efforts will be to further God’s kingdom rather than being motivated by things on this earth. The riches we should aim for are the ones that will go with us into eternity and the ones that will give us true joy while we are alive. Try helping your neighbor, being kind to a stranger, or asking your friend if they know Jesus. What other ways can you think of that will advance God’s Kingdom?
Are you collecting earthly possessions that will only last the short time that we are on this earth or are you storing up Heavenly treasures? Have you accepted Jesus and asked him into your heart? If so, you have the most precious treasure ever given. And if not, you still have time to ask him to come into your life, so you too can begin to store up those Heavenly treasures. Be content in the life that has been given to you. Be content in Jesus; He is enough!
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Mandi Polly is a lifelong resident of Mitchell County. She is a wife, mom to two daughters and a “Grandi ” to two of the sweetest grandkids. She and her family are members of Grassy Creek Baptist Church in Spruce Pine. She loves music and being creative.
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Read more from Mandi Polly Here.
