“Better is a
little with righteousness than great income with injustice” (Proverbs 16:8).
Our hearts
and minds are often distracted by the culture. Unbelievers seem to be happy,
despite the never-ending pursuit of the greater, the bigger, the “more.” How
can we find satisfaction in Christ when we often find ourselves in the “have
nots?” How do we enjoy holiness more than earthly treasure?
Jesus taught
us that finding the kingdom of heaven is like finding hidden treasure we would
joyfully sell everything to possess (Matthew 13:44). If Christ is our true
satisfaction, then whatever earthly possessions we have left is a gift from God
meant to point to Him. In other words, when Christ is our all, we focus on what
He does give us and view them as gifts rather than chase the folly of the world
by focusing on what we do not have.
We see our
relationship to Christ as supremely valuable, which makes any earthly
discontentment seem utterly ridiculous. Imagine the surprise you would feel
watching the news at night and hearing a billionaire broke into an inner city
house and stole an outdated lamp. Even more absurd is a person possessing
eternal joys in Christ yet feeling unsatisfied in earthly pleasures we do not
possess!
The disciple
of Jesus fights this sin of discontentment with daily reminders that Christ is
far more valuable than finding ourselves in the earthly category of “the
haves.” To know Jesus is to treasure Jesus with our hearts. Nothing on earth
compares to He who gave His life for me, reconciling me to my holy God to enjoy
forever!
Let us view
righteousness as greater than earthly wealth. Let us view enjoying our holy God
as more enjoyable than earthly luxuries. Let the hope of Christ’s kingdom
completed give rest to our hearts to enjoy Him knowing we possess now full
satisfaction in our supremely valuable Savior and Lord.
Heavenly Father, grant us grace to find in
Christ full satisfaction. Our hearts are restless, sinfully seeking from the
world what ought to be find in Jesus. Forgive us, O Lord, and transform us by
Your great power to treasure Christ with all our heart, mind, and strength. May
our joy in You increase, and may Your joy be found in Your Church. Amen.
