My Heart Was Tuned To the “Gain” Channel

It was early in my faith walk when I was consumed by mastering the CONTENTMENT CHASE and doing everything I could to get my hands on the world’s “goodie bag.” The chase started with mansions and sports cars and watches and vacations. It ended in emptiness. And then God helped me switch the channel with this blessing from the Apostle Paul:

“But godliness with contentment is great gain.” 1 Timothy 6:6 (NIV)
  
Paul learned the secret of contentment was to not be discontent with what he did not have, but to be content with what he did have. Sounds pretty simple, right? Yep. It is. We make it complicated by falling for the world’s “allure trap.”
  
Switching the channel immediately reduced my frustration, anger, worry, fear, and the default reaction to blame something for my situation and circumstances.
  
God taught me that the good things in life are not bad, but they cannot be our primary pursuit. I learned that our earthly purpose is spiritual preparation for eternity, not material gain.
  
I learned the hard way that there is another casualty from watching the GAIN CHANNEL—it makes spiritual growth impossible because our desire for Godliness is quickly cannibalized by a spirit of greed.
  
Both greed and contentment are states of the heart. When we choose to be content with the riches of Christ rather than pursue material riches and comfort, our lives will be more in line with God’s plan and purpose for our lives.
  
HOW ABOUT YOU?
  
How much time to you spend watching the GAIN CHANNEL?
  
I ask God to keep reminding me that nothing is more important than “Godly gain.” To guide me toward Godliness through the inward presence of Christ inhabiting my soul through his Spirit. To allow me to become the person he created me to be.
  
“I know what it is to be in need and what it is to have more than enough. I have learned this secret, so that anywhere, at any time, I am content, whether I am full or hungry, whether I have too much or too little.” Philippians 4:12