The Concept of Lack Does Not Exist in The Kingdom of God
Are you content with where you are, or are you constantly seeking more?
One of the greatest lies the devil has propagated is that there is always ‘lack.’ Economies are built on the concept of scarcity. The stronghold of lack has affected almost all areas of people’s lives, whereby individuals are constantly seeking more worldly things. The concept of lack instills a sense of perpetual discontentment, driving individuals to chase after worldly possessions, power, and success as if these external factors hold the key to fulfillment. Individuals constantly see themselves as not having enough possessions and thus needing a bigger house, a newer car, or the latest gadget. The devil has carefully utilized media and advertising to instill these social norms, where fulfillment is seen to only be actualized through accumulating more material wealth. The constant exposure to images of opulence and messages promoting a culture of consumption creates a sense of inadequacy, fostering a belief that one’s worth is tied to external measures of success.
Moreover, the pursuit of power and success in careers or personal endeavors is another area where the concept of lack is prevalent. The competitive nature of modern society can create a mindset that success is always just out of reach, leading individuals to tirelessly strive for more achievements, accolades, or influence. The fear of missing out or falling behind others can become a driving force, perpetuating a cycle of restlessness and discontent.
But ‘lack’ is not a characteristic of the Kingdom of God. The spirit of lack aims to distract from the true nature of the Kingdom of God. The kingdom of God is characterized by ‘plenty’ where Jesus states, that God will give us all the desires of our hearts. This deception distracts from recognizing the abundance that can be found in contentment, gratitude, and spiritual richness. The Bible teaches that true wealth is found in a heart at peace, content with what one has, and rooted in a faith that transcends the illusion of perpetual insufficiency.
Contentment is a command by God to all Christians. In Hebrew 13:5
[5] Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So how do you live a life of contentment when everything around you is screaming lack?
Paul states in Philippians 4:12-13 that he has found the secret to living a content life. He says,
“[12] 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. [13] I can do all this through him who gives me strength. In whatever state, I have learned the value of being content.
Let’s look at the 5 secrets to living a content life.
Secret 1: The source of fulfillment is Christ, not food, not money. In plenty and in poverty. It is only through Christ that you can do all things.
It is impossible to find fulfillment in the things of this world. Through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, a profound truth emerges — that true fulfillment transcends the material and temporal. His sacrifice serves as a reminder that our purpose and contentment are not contingent on earthly circumstances or possessions. By embracing the teachings of Christ and nurturing a deep, personal relationship with Him, individuals can unlock a source of fulfillment that remains constant, whether in times of abundance or scarcity. Recognizing that Christ is the ultimate source of strength and satisfaction lays the foundation for a content life filled with purpose and unwavering joy. In Philippians 4:13 we are reminded that we can do everything through Christ who strengthens us. Everything, including finding contentment in our current situation.
Secret 2: We came with nothing, and we will leave with nothing. (I Timothy 6:6-10)
Solomon, in Ecclesiastes, refers to the constant pursuit of earthly possessions as ‘chasing the wind.’ In this world, nothing is permanent except the love God has for us. The desire for earthly things is the root of all evil. Our focus should not be on amassing the things of this world but rather on using the little we have to propagate the message of salvation to all nations. By understanding that material possessions are fleeting, we can shift our priorities towards eternal values, emphasizing the significance of sharing the transformative message of God’s love and salvation with others.”
I Timothy 6:6-10 NKJV
[6] Now godliness with contentment is a great gain. [7] For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. [8] And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. [9] But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. [10] For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
Secret 3: contentment comes from knowing your source of Hope. (I Peter 3:15)
In 1 Peter 3:15, the scripture encourages believers to always be prepared to give an answer for the hope that they have. The foundation of contentment lies in recognizing God as the ultimate source of hope. This hope is not based on fleeting circumstances or material possessions but on the unwavering faith in God’s promises. The assurance that God will provide according to His abundant riches creates a profound sense of security and peace.
This understanding not only fosters personal contentment but also becomes a wellspring of hope that can be shared with others. In a world often marked by uncertainty and challenges, being anchored in the hope of God’s provision sets a powerful example. By sharing this hope with others, individuals contribute to a culture of positivity, resilience, and faith. Contentment, rooted in the knowledge of God as the source of hope, becomes a beacon that illuminates the path toward a fulfilling and purposeful life, inspiring others to seek the same source of unwavering assurance.”
I Peter 3:15 NKJV
[15] But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;
Secret 4: Live and walk by the Spirit.
Embracing the guidance of the Holy Spirit is a transformative key to living a content life. Galatians 5:16 encourages believers to ‘walk by the Spirit,’ implying a conscious and continuous alignment with the values and principles of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit provides the strength needed to resist the temptations and desires of the flesh. In a world that often emphasizes immediate gratification and the pursuit of fleeting pleasures, living by the Spirit enables individuals to overcome the insatiable desires of the flesh and find contentment in spiritual fulfillment.
Galatians 5:17 NKJV
[17] For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another so that you do not do the things that you wish.
Secret 5: The desires spoken of are things of God, not riches.
In Psalm 37:4, we are assured that God will grant the desires of our hearts. However, this promise is not an endorsement of an unchecked pursuit of material wealth. Instead, it speaks to a deeper truth—the desires that God fulfills are aligned with His divine will. These desires encompass spiritual riches such as wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. They are desires that lead to a more profound connection with God, fostering a life filled with purpose and meaning.
Contrary to the fleeting allure of worldly riches, the desires God fulfills are enduring and transformative. Seeking wisdom to discern His will, pursuing knowledge to grow in faith, and understanding to navigate life’s challenges are desires that align with God’s plan for our lives. Living in the presence of God becomes the ultimate desire, transcending the transient nature of material wealth.
In conclusion, the secrets to living a content life are deeply rooted in spiritual principles that transcend the fleeting nature of worldly pursuits. By recognizing that true fulfillment comes from Christ and aligning our lives with His teachings, we discover a source of strength and satisfaction that remains constant in every circumstance. Understanding the impermanence of earthly possessions and embracing the knowledge that we came with nothing and will leave with nothing redirects our focus toward eternal values. Contentment flourishes when we live and walk by the Spirit, allowing divine guidance to overcome the lust of the flesh and filling us with virtues that radiate positivity to others. Finally, by seeking the desires of God rather than the riches of the world, we unlock a path to enduring fulfillment. These secrets, drawn from the timeless wisdom of the Bible, provide a transformative roadmap to content and purposeful life that extends beyond the transient allure of the material world.
Nice one