But godliness with contentment is great gain, 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. – 1 Timothy 6:6-8
Starting work has sort of pushed me head first into the world of money, finances, budgeting, and planning for the future. I guess living at home has cushioned the fall, but nevertheless, it’s still been an exciting and at times overwhelming new challenge to learn to direct a flow of income, regardless of the actual amount.
Living in the Bay Area has exacerbated the temptation to feel anxious about finances. When I think about how much it actually costs to live here in the Bay, and compare that to what I’m currently making, it’s easy to feel helpless and out of control. Add to that thoughts of the future and how I would ever be able to provide for myself and a potential household, and it’s even more surreal.
That’s why I’d like to let this passage guide my restless heart in 2012, and as I continue to work at my current job. The Apostle Paul says that we can count ourselves lucky at the end of every day that we had enough food to eat, a place to stay, and some clothes on our back. Undergirding that mentality is the knowledge that material things are only a temporary provision that we can’t take with us after death, and the belief that this life is not the end.. eternity with God awaits us who cling to Jesus. And therefore, we will be content with whatever portion we have in this life, be it much or little. Welcome, 2012.
