Like so many others here at Pathways Church, I have committed to reading through the Bible this year using the Life Journal Reading plan developed by Pastor Wayne Cordeiro. In addition to reading he also encourages journaling without trying to journal about everything you read. Instead, capture one thing that God brings to your attention and really observe and apply that one verse or section to your life.

This week the schedule took me through Luke chapter 3. John the Baptist was explaining to the crowd that had gathered what God wanted them to do. After telling people who had 2 coats to share with those who had none, and telling those who had food to share with those who didn’t, he turned to the tax collectors and soldiers who had typically abused their authority. He said something so small but so profound…

“Be content…” (vs. 14)

For some reason this particular verse jumped out and captured my attention. In a world where everyone is kicking and scratching to make another dollar or willing to do anything it takes for personal gain, God looks down and says “Be content.”

We just came off of a Christmas season where we, as Americans, spent more than ever before… In the middle of a recession!?! I believe God loves giving gifts and we should as well, but how much of that was driven not by our love for those we were gifting, but by greed and image? I’m inspired by the students in our youth ministry who wore the same shirt for 30 straight days to build awareness that in many countries around the world children only have one shirt!

I know this, the next time I’m digging through my closet and can’t find the “right” shirt I’ll remember John’s words in Luke 3 and I’ll be content with the many ways God has blessed me. There is no point focusing on what would make me look better to the people around me. I’d rather focus on how God sees me. When I really think about it, He has blessed me with far more than I deserve anyway!