1 Timothy 6: 6-7 “But Godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world and we can take nothing out of it.”
We live in a society of instant gratification. Anything we want can be acquired. Our desire to have more, receive more, and gain more is driven by our bank account. As Christians, we are so proud of the fact that we make wise decisions with our money. After discussion and prayer, if we have the money in our account, then we will buy it right? We are wise.
When you think of the words instant gratification, your thoughts steer towards unwise individuals who make quick decisions. Someone who may have a newer car, but in an instant, decides to trade it in on the latest model which may be prettier or faster. Instant gratification may be a friend who goes shopping every week for a new clothes. In our society this form of instant gratification is completely acceptable as long as you are not spending money that should otherwise be spent on bills. We are proud to be great managers of our money.
We have wisdom to make good choices. Many of us, living in the promises of God, choose not to make split decisions like trading in our cars. We are blessed with the gift of wisdom….but please allow me to show you what God has shown me; another area inside the world of instant gratification.
When we are too warm, we choose to turn on a fan.
When we are cold, we put on a sweater.
When we are thirsty, we find something to drink.
When it is sunny, we put on our sunglasses.
When we are hungry, we open the refrigerator.
When our car is out of gas, the decision is to fill it up.
When we feel like being social, we call someone or text.
When our mood is down, we find things to lift it up.
In an instant we can satisfy almost every need!
In Mark chapter 15, Mark describes when Jesus was being led away carrying His cross. They came to the town of Golgotha where they offered Jesus wine mixed with myrrh. Jesus chose NOT to accept the wine. His frail body was extremely thirsty, but when Jesus was given a choice to satisfy his thirst, he took the road less traveled. This road is not traveled by most people in our society. We choose to satisfy our needs in an instant, without even realizing it. What we feel is our basic needs is a form of instant gratification.
The fear of doing without keeps us in a place of contentment. But can you be content by choosing to work through that fear and take the road less traveled like Jesus did? Can you and will you be content without satisfying your needs in an instant? I urge you today to try it!
When the sun gets too hot today, choose not to turn on the air conditioner right away. When you are uncomfortable with only one pillow tonight instead of the usual two, wait 15 extra minutes before grabbing the other pillow. When you receive a text message and you think you HAVE to answer right now, use your gifts of patience and obedience by waiting to respond. And the most difficult one I have trouble with is hunger pangs. When your stomach is telling you that it is time to eat, show God you choose to work through the fear and choose not to satisfy your need in an instant by going to the refrigerator.
Money is worthless in Heaven and may be worthless on this earth. Spend your time accumulating treasures that will be worthwhile in God’s eternal kingdom. Ask God for the wisdom to learn how to choose to do without like Jesus did; even if you don’t have to!
May God Bless You!
Theresa
