Once upon a time I traveled with a co-worker on a business trip to the West Coast. We had work sessions at a small engineering company in Roseburg, Oregon. After work, the company owner and his wife drove us to see their new home, which was under construction. As you might imagine, we rode in their late-model Mercedes. The house was being built on their 100-acre country estate and was a sight to behold. It was a multi-story structure with all the amenities one could imagine. Many of the materials were being imported from other countries. If I might borrow a phrase from Woodland Homes, this country home was going to be “Simply the Best.”
By contrast I’ve been in the homes of people who are surviving at subsistence well below the declared poverty level. Some of the houses are not suitable for humans to live in. What furniture exists is in shambles. If the folks have a car, it is rusty and broken down; no funds are available for repairs or improvements.
My experience in Oregon motivated me to work harder – or at least smarter. If I work as hard or as smart as that businessman, I could drive an expensive car and build a mansion in the country. When I see the other extreme, I am motivated to thank God for the material goods with which He has blessed me. Except for the grace of God delivered to me, I could be in poverty, homeless, penniless, or starving.
In Paul’s letter to the Philippians he declared, “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” (Philippians 4:12 NIV) It sounds like Paul had experience at both ends of the prosperity spectrum. And he had learned to be thankful and content at both ends. Some will try to use Bible instruction on contentment to justify the status quo, no matter how poor it might be. But that view is in conflict with other Scripture passages exhorting us to do our best. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord…” (Colossians 3:23 NIV)
It seems to me the state of being content involves the proper balance between desiring to do our best and thanking God for His provisions. God exhorts us to do our best – for which varying levels of material reward will result. Even though you and I work hard/smart and do our best, we may never own a high-tech business and live on a country estate. And that’s o.k. Despite what high-pressure motivational speakers say, everyone is not suited for wealth and power. As believers, we’re responsible to do our best. And having done our best, we are exhorted to be content with and thankful for the result, whatever prosperity level it is. God will doubtless bless our consistent efforts with the living standard that’s best for each of us. Paul learned the secret of contentment; so can we.