Hebrews 13

Hebrews 13:5  Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."

I remember standing with a friend of mine in her dorm room.  Her parents had just helped her unload everything into her room.  Her mom had helped her make up her bed and her dad had helped her set up her computer.  There wasn’t really anything left, but her parents hung around for a few more moments sharing last minute advice.  Always walk in groups after dark, don’t forget to lock your door at night, you should have enough money on your account to get whatever you want in the cafeteria, call whenever you want – day or night…the last minute instructions continued for a few minutes and then they left.  Her parents looked sad and a little helpless. 

I wonder if this is how the author of Hebrews felt at the end of his letter.  Every verse is a different piece of instruction – from remembering those in prison to obey those who are in charge, the author seems to be trying to cover all the bases.  One of those bases is on being content with your current financial situation.  Our culture encourages us to always want more…to upgrade what we have.  There are “starter homes” with the thought of getting something nicer/bigger down the road.  As we sell our car, we look at getting something nicer with more features.  We look at the neighbors and want what they have. 

But we need to learn to be content.  Learn to be content about what we have and where we are.  We need to be content and not always seeking the next greatest thing.  There is a difference between having drive and working for nice things and being so concentrated on obtaining those things that everything else is no longer in focus.  We need to be content in our everyday lives knowing that Jesus will always be with us and never forsake us.  Jesus is with us every step of the way; even as we become content with every step.

I’m praying for you!

Pastor Amy