From My Perspective - - -

When one looks at the trends of our time, one of the truths that becomes obvious is the desire of many for something. The signs read – we want our jobs; we want our share; we want our money; we want…. The bottom line is that no one wants to have a share of nothing – nearly everyone has the innate desire for something. The shortsightedness of the current political rhetoric is that it is generating class envy and division. Generally, the speeches contain words to the effect that the “rich have it” and you don’t. The rhetorical solution – “let’s increase their taxes” so you can have more of what you think you need and want. Let the rich pay your way and your added costs.

It cannot be denied that there is considerable imbalance, injustice and inequity in the world. When one hears of the millions of dollars that a corporate executive receives when he retires and/or relinquishes his position, and one measures that against the numbers of hungry and starving people in this nation and world, it does cause one to be more than a bit squeamish and resentful. When one observes the cronyism in government that allows for more than a half-billion dollars to be given to a political ally whose business goes bankrupt and the cost is borne by the taxpayer, it infuriates and embitters. To say that something is wrong is a gross misstatement and understatement. The truth is that it is more criminal than anything else.

A radio personality was sharing his approach to achievement and shared an interesting concept with his radio audience. He told of an early pursuit when he would purchase a bound composition notebook that he used as a personal and daily journal. He had a goal and each day he would make an entry in terms of what he had done to meet that goal. He did not want to be in the “nothing” category – he wanted to achieve. In a rare moment of candor, he shared that there were times went his journal went for several days when he had written “nothing” in terms of his goal pursuit. He went even further and indicated that there were times when he went for months and his entry was “nothing” – times when he felt spent, and dry, and empty – times when he was exasperated and frustrated because he didn’t have what he wanted so badly. This entire idea of “nothing” can become significant for one of two reasons – (1) the person either gives up and allows the “nothing” entries to overwhelm him to the point where he doesn’t try anymore to achieve any goal, or (2) the person allows the “nothing” entries to be a stimulant and motivator for the reorganizing of one’s life priorities to allow one to get back on track and to return to a more disciplined pursuit that will allow achieving the meaningful goals that had been set.

One of the major balances for all is to consider the point and place for contentment. The Apostle Paul, as an older Mentor, shares this concept with the younger Timothy as he moves forward with a ministry goal. It is succinctly stated in I Timothy 6:6-10, “Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.” The Message Paraphrases this passage: “A devout life does bring wealth…Since we entered the world penniless and will leave it penniless, if we have bread on the table and shoes on our feet, that's enough…Lust for money brings trouble and nothing but trouble. Going down that path, some lose their footing in the faith completely and live to regret it bitterly ever after.” One person mused: “I came into the world with nothing and I have most of it left.” That phrase may contain an element of humor and truth but it should not blur or negate (1) contentment in one’s walk and relationship with God, and (2) trusting the Lord day by day for His continued care and provision for all of your needs. One may not have all of his/her wants – God has promised to meet one’s needs – not always one’s wants! An old Hymn contains these words: “Jesus Christ is made to me, All I need, all I need. He alone is all my plea, He is all I need.” Is that your belief? Is that your contentment? Consider these things with me!