Daily Companion  |  15 April

BE CONTENT

Godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 1 Timothy 6:6-8

 On the shore of a commercial harbor, a fisherman was playing with his daughter in his fishing boat. They were visibly having fun. A rich businessman who saw the fisherman playing as an act of idleness said, “Shouldn’t you be out fishing?” “I have caught enough fish for one day,” replied the fisherman. “Why don’t you catch some more?” “What would I do with them?”“You could earn more money,” said the businessman. “Then with the extra money, you could buy a bigger boat, more nets, and eventually become rich like me.” “Then what would I do when I become rich like you?” asked the fisherman. “Then you could really enjoy life”, said the businessman. The fisherman looked at the businessman and asked, “What do you think I am doing now with my daughter?” 

The life of the fisherman should truly teach us contentment. We work but must ensure we have time to enjoy life with our family and serve God. God loves family. He loves us to spend time with our children and spouses as well. We don't have to chase after money and materials at the expense of our time with our family and God. Christ said, “man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.” We must be reminded that the fall of man came from lack of contentment.  Adam and Eve were placed within the abundant and sufficient resources. Going after the forbidden fruit is a demonstration of their lack of contentment. They had more than enough choices of fruits to eat from the garden. There is a yoruba adage, “Ẹni tí bíńtín ò tó, púpọ yóò jìnnà sí I” (Abundance will be far from whoever is not contented with a little). Little is much when God is in it because it is Him who makes us rich without adding sorrow with it”. 

Beloved, the lowly Christ must always be our role model. “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls”. (Matthew 11:29) He who lacks contentment cannot be a true disciple of Christ. You don't deserve Christ if you are not satisfied with little. “He that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me” (Matthew 10:38). You are created wonderfully and provided with good things of life already. Like the fisherman, work hard, earn good enough to feed and shelter and live a balanced social and spiritual life. "I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need." (Philippians 4:12). Peradventure there is excess, save for the raining day. Serve God. Be satisfied with the little you have and pray for His increase on the work of your hand. 

Today’s Recite:  I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, to be content. (Philippians 4:11)

Today’s Morning Prayers: O Lord God I thank You for all that You provide for me. Grant me Your grace to be content in material things. Multiply the little I earn so I can I have more time to serve You. Make me satisfied with all that I possess henceforth in Jesus name I pray. Amen!

Today’s Hymn: I Don't Know About Tomorrow

Today’s ReadMe:  2 Kings 1 - 3