And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. Luke 9:58
We are on a journey
The world offers its glamorous dainties,
many things that we enjoy
God made this world,
so there is much beauty here
He has given man many inventions
and much progress has been made
to make our lives here on earth comfortable,
even luxurious in some respects
Depending on our worldly circumstances,
we can be quite rich,
given access to the latest, greatest electronic devices,
automated this and that,
cars,
houses equipped with all sorts of luxuries,
from hot tubs to swimming pools
saunas,
Home Theatres
and the list goes on
Western culture offers much
It also offers much emptiness that never seems to be satisfied
Much longing,
covetousness
and at times our efforts reach for tangible things that will never satisfy
insatiable appetites for things we don’t have,
that we want,
things that would make our lives better is the appeal,
the apple of temptation
Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity. He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity. Ecclesiastes 1:2 & Ecclesiastes 5:10
Our seeking of earthly things, comforts, desires can get in the way of our being content. We can wish for this or that, even for a person, such as a spouse, or perhaps a certain job.
Our true happiness and contentment will come when we serve the Lord and yield all of our desires to Him. There will be no greater satisfaction that we will experience here on earth.
Paul said: Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. Philippians 4:11
This is from a man who received lashes, who had no home to speak of. Paul was a traveling apostle. He had to learn this lesson: to be content. I’m sure it wasn’t easy to get there.
Then he said: I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Philippians 4:12-13
Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness. Isaiah 66:1-2
Jesus reminded us to seek heavenly treasures, not to get caught in the world’s attractions. (Matthew 6:19)
This world is not our home. No matter how hard we try, we will not be satisfied here. Our satisfaction will come from our richness in Christ.