“Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we
brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can
carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with
these we shall be content.” (NKJ)
Reflection
These verses can be hard for the average American to understand when most
of us are bombarded daily with hundreds of advertisements and stores with
artfully displayed products that we never knew we needed but suddenly must
have. We are taught to never be satisfied. However, as we reach the end of
our month of eating rice and beans, these verses have a new ring of truth.
Hopefully during this month we've all found contentment in simple meals
that fill and nourish us and come to a new realization that we have so much
to be thankful for. True contentment comes from being satisfied by our Father
in Heaven and thankful for what He has already given us, not going to the
hippest restaurant or buying the latest products. My hope is that as you
complete this last week of Rice & Beans Month you will desire to continue
practicing simplicity through the rest of the year because you've found
contentment in what you already have. Of course, feel free to eat a steak
every now and then.
- Leah Burkholder, Lahash Volunteer
For Kids
We have a little sneaky voice inside us; let's call it the “Wanter.” The Wanter
sees commercials for toys or food, and it whispers how much fun it would
be to have them all for ourselves. Sometimes our Wanter makes us mean or
rude to other people. But exciting toys get old and break. Brand-new books
get ripped, and we outgrow clothes. Our Wanter doesn't think about the future.
The thing that lasts the longest is who God made us to be on the inside. The
Bible tells us that being happy following God is the very best thing. When
we turn off our Wanter, we can hear God's voice better. When we hear
God's voice, we are happier and we love the people around us. Has your
Wanter been loud lately? Take a moment to think about how to turn your
Wanter off and listen for God's voice.
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