But godliness with contentment is great gain. – 1 Timothy 6:6
The carpet in our Sunday school department was very worn. It definitely needed replacing, but finances were scarce, so we got together with the rest of the church folks and held a yard sale at the church parking lot. We gathered all the items that we no longer used, needed, or wanted, stashed them in a couple of rooms at the church, and then picked a date for a sale. Many people love to go to a yard sale because, after all, you never know what “treasure” you might find that you cannot live without!
It was amazing what we came up with. The variety made us realize how much we had managed to collect over the years. There were stacks of good clothes, dishes, microwaves, pans, car-tire chains, desks, chairs, a green couch, and tools—something for everyone! Not only did we have lots of fun together, but we also made a good addition to the carpet fund.
Something else that came from the sale was that it made me realize how much I could do without. In fact, I could have offered a lot more, and it probably would not have affected me much. I enjoy the material blessings that come my way, and appreciate the gadgets I have, but I could do without them. They are not really important.
A wise pastor once said, “All we need is a roof over our heads and a pot of beans on the table.” With Jesus, that is a feast! How good God is to us, His children. He provides over and above what we can ask or think.
A sweet and faithful servant of God once tried to move her china cupboard while all her expensive dishes were still on the shelves. It fell over, breaking every piece. She shed not a tear but rather exclaimed, “Thank you, Lord! I didn’t need those anyway.” Those words could only come from the heart of a contented person. Let’s strive for contentment! Jesus will provide the rest.