Contentment versus Covetousness

 

It is very important to understand that "the living God gives us richly all things to enjoy" (1 Timothy 6:17). The blessing in this statement is that He does not need to ask us what we need or like- He knows us better than we think we know ourselves! Contentment is born out of faith - a revelation that comes forth from the Lord God that acts as a blueprint of what He wants to do for us. It would be difficult, if not impossible, to cast off restraint in this area if not for a vision given.  Covetousness, on the contrary, is a desire for anything, even in His perfect plan, which leads to the individual doing all he/she can to bring it to pass - to make it happen. Contentment recognizes His voice and believes Him to bring it to pass, enjoying what He has already given.

"Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with the things that you have (spirit, soul and body). For He Himself has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you' ". (Hebrews 13:5)

When a cake is put together, all the ingredients that make it enjoyable are there and in it. The instructions require a certain amount of time and heat to complete the process successfully. If this is the first time you are trying to make cake, you might look in the oven and say after 10, 30 or 40 minutes, "it looks and smells good, it must be complete!" You pull it out and attempt to eat but it is not right. It is not complete. Covetousness ruined the cake! You wanted it before it was ready! Covetousness is promoted by Satan and allowed by the carnality of the soul. When the individual hits the wall of gracelessness in his/her might and power, hopelessness attempts to steal the vision! BUT, God is merciful to the repentant and, just as a refiner's fire removes impurity from precious metal without ruining the metal, the Lord's process upon the soul who has ears to hear perfectly trains you and provides, without sorrow added, all things (in Him) to enjoy.

 "A disciple is not above His teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher". (Luke 6:40)   Glory to God! If you have ears to hear, you will hear what the Holy Spirit is saying to the churches, and it will bear fruit, some 30, some 60 and some 100 fold, in Christ Jesus.