To Have or To Have Not?

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Philippians 4:6

Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength. Philippians 4: 11-13

I love reading those verses. The world is such a materialistic place; full of devices, toys, new gaming systems every week, and anything you can think of to spend money on. I know because I deal with that every day. I have wants just like others do; kids that see every commercial and start with “I want…” Sadly, it’s getting worse.

Around the holiday season; people can turn into someone they normally aren’t and do things they normally wouldn’t do. I would love to have a new phone, new TV, new games for the kids, new clothes, and a lot more. I have a roof over my families head, food in the kitchen, clothes on their backs, but most important; I woke up this morning.

I have been a thief, liar, and a cheat in the past. I would do whatever I had to; even hurt those I love to keep up with the world. I had no idea what it meant to be content. I am learning today to be content with what I do have because much like Paul; I know how it feels to live with almost nothing or everything. I know what it is to be hungry and to be have a full stomach. I learned what it is to have and have none.

I sit here today with everything that Christ wants me to have; happy to have what He has blessed me with. He has given me what I need to do what He wants me to do in a world full of people doing what THEY want to do. He gives me the best gifts; strength, wisdom, patience, kindness, and GRACE. Grace is God’s undeserved favor. I don’t deserve grace but it is a gift he gives freely; NO STANDING IN LINES ON BLACK FRIDAY TO GET! What would happen if instead of standing in lines for things to buy; the churches had lines of people wanting to get in on God’s grace? What if we swarmed for that like we swarm for the newest IPhone?