Sand Mountain Sermonette 34
Hebrews 13:5; Matthew 6:31-34; I Timothy 6:8
Sand Mountain Sermonette 34
“Mother, I Want to Ride the Airplanes!”
“Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, ‘I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU.’”
Hebrews 13: 5, New American Standard Bible (1995). Note: All caps refer to Old Testament
My mother told me once of something I would do as a little boy that has been a struggle for me all my life, but one God has helped me with since I became a Christian. Mother said when she would take me to the little carnival that would come once a year and set up in a big vacant lot next to the High School, that I was never satisfied on the kiddie ride I was on because I wanted to be on another kiddie ride at the same time. For example, she would put me on the little cars that simply went around in a circle at low speed, but mom said I could not enjoy that ride because I had my eyes set on the little airplane ride that was moving in the distance while all the while saying, “I want to ride that one!” “I want to ride that one.”
Aren’t we like that in our spiritual walk with the Lord? The writer of the Book of Hebrews instructs Christians living in the first century to steer clear of a “love” for money which is a key to being content with what you have so that your heart will not be prone to chase after material possessions. The Message paraphrase of Hebrews 13:5 reads, “Don’t be obsessed with getting more material things. Be relaxed (content) with what you have.”
Often, we Christians are not “relaxed” because we are so anxious over our possessions.
Hebrews 13:5 literally reads, “Let your way of life be without love of money, being satisfied with what you have.” In other words, be happy you’re on the kiddie cars and enjoy them, instead of being so stressed that you’re not on the kiddie planes. Oh! To be happy and content with Christ and Christ alone, and wherever God has positioned us to be at the present!
One Christian mom has said, “Life is precious; our days are numbered…the choice to love life is ours, and our peace, joy, contentment, fulfillment, and overall happiness depend on the choice we make.” Choose Christ-centered contentment! He will never leave or forsake you! He is understanding and patient with you. Bloom where you are appointed and be thankful! (See Matthew 6:31-34 and I Timothy 6:8).
I am so grateful to God for mom’s lesson!
Pastor Louie