“Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” Hebrews 13:5 (KJV)
When the economy turns sour, the “sour” side of people manifests itself. When the “haves” are getting more, the “have-nots” become discontent with not having. They become obsessed with getting their piece-of-the-pie and sometimes do bad things to get it.
In today’s passage, the author warns us to guard our “conversation” (i.e., character and behavior). In most cases, one’s character determines not simply the speech but the manner of behavior also. So, control of one’s character and behavior becomes essential to one’s overall contentment in life.
In a wealthy society and economy it is so easy to become earthly oriented and succumb to the human concept of success. In America, we have been taught that we can have it all, yet we see many people living on the south side of Poverty Row. The issue for the author of Hebrews is not wealth or poverty. Rather, the issue is about depending on God — no matter what your economic circumstances — because He “will never leave you nor forsake you.”
What a marvelous promise of the Heavenly Father’s continuing love! With love like that — assurance like that — how could anyone not be content? Well, we are all human with human passions, desires, ambitions, and so forth.
Hence, our author’s warnings. Our human side must always be carefully guarded because it struggles against the Spirit and our contentment. If the enemy can disturb our peace and contentment, then we begin to doubt God’s faithfulness. Next we tend to emphasize our desires and what we perceive as self-deserving. The we minimize God’s promise and faithfulness.
Despite our struggles, our failures, and our imperfections the heavenly Father cares for us. He whispers soothing comfort with his Word and encourages us as the Spirit draws us close to him. His promise to never forsake us is the foundation of our contentment.
Dear Father, thank you for your promise and faithfulness. Forgive us our lusts and worldly cares. Empower us with contentment in your love and care. I pray this in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be encouraged today content in God’s promise,