When is enough, enough? It’s a tough question, which I have often struggled to answer correctly. Our house never seems large enough or nice enough. My car is old and beat up, and I wish I owned a car made in this decade. Despite whatever I bring home, it just never seems enough. I am consumed with a want for more—more experiences, money, toys, friends, recognition, experiences, possessions. Enough never seems enough. I struggle with being content.
In I Tim. 6:6, Paul says, “Godliness with contentment is great gain.” So how do we become content when we always want more? For me, it boils down to three things. First, I need to realize all the things I “own” or desire to “own” are not mine or mine to have in the first place. They are all His. “All things were created by Him and for Him.” Col. 1:16. “For we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world.” I Tim. 3:7. Second, I need to understand that I am not entitled to anything—I don’t deserve anything as I have done nothing to earn it. Everything we have is a gift of God. “Every good and perfect gift is from above.” James 1:17. Third, and I have learned this the hard way, earthly possessions and pursuits (professional, social, etc.) will never make us content as they are never “enough.” Ecc. 5:10. An unfilled void always remains. However, Jesus Christ is enough. He fills the void that nothing else can fill. “Be content with what you have because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.’” Heb. 13:5. “God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Jesus Christ.” Col. 4:19.
The earthly things we strive for will never satisfy us or leave us content. Only in Christ are all our wants met and needs satisfied. And only in Him do we find true contentment and peace. Amen.
Carter Dukes
