NOVEMBER 18
But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. (1Tim. 6:6–8)
One of my friends serves in an international ministry that provides clean water, food, and medicine to people in underdeveloped areas around the globe. These places are sometimes called “third-world” countries, implying how far behind our “first-world” locales they are in terms of infrastructure and human services—things we usually take for granted. Like having a roof that doesn’t leak, water that doesn’t cause diseases, and more food in our fridge than many people see in a year.
When my friend returns to the US after serving in places like Haiti, Kenya, or Kosovo, he often experiences culture shock. He told me he’s always stunned at how many people here get upset by the smallest things: sitting in traffic, waiting at the dentist’s office, drinking a half-caff latte without soy milk. These are all what many people call first-world problems, issues that are trivial and somewhat inconsequential when compared to the life-or-death struggles so many families face daily in other parts of the world.
We entered this life without any possessions, and we will exit it the same way. God wants us to be good stewards of all we’re given, not good organizers of larger storage units. So often we take for granted the big things in our lives and complain about the little discomforts and inconveniences. Today notice how many blessings you take for granted—fresh food, warm clothes, clean water, and people who love you.
Power Lift
All good gifts come from you, Lord. I’m so overwhelmed by the many ways you bless me. Help me notice all my blessings and take nothing for granted, giving to those in need around me.
Groeschel, Craig. Daily Power: 365 Days of Fuel for Your Soul. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2017. Print.