Read: 1 Timothy 6-8

Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment,  for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world.  But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.

Reflect:

I recall a bumper sticker that said, “The one who dies with the most toys wins” Wins what exactly?

In his day, Job literally had it all. He had really great toys- wealth, servants, and the blessing of family. The first few verses include that Job was the “greatest of all the people of the east.”

So many people who have so much feel lost when it all crumbles. I know of at least three men in my adult years who have responded with suicide when faced with a significant loss.

When Job faced the loss of his wealth and his children his response was, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb and naked I shall return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD”(Job 1:21).

Blessed be the name of the Lord? Job reminds us of what we tend to forget- there is something more than accumulating toys.

Jesus asks the same question we must all face, “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his life? Or what shall a man give in return for his life?” (Matthew 16:26).

Respond:

What do you make of the response of Job or the words of Paul and Jesus? Is it possible we have embraced the idea that things will make us happy?