Ukwanela

Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. (1 Tim 6:6 - NLT)

The Rat Race; that is the term to describe a pointless pursuit of things and in the end finding out that ultimately, you haven’t achieved anything that is of value. We are caught up in the hunt for riches which consumes us and takes over our inner most being. It dictates our thinking, directs our actions and steals one of the most precious commodities we have; our time.


This, however, was never the plan. In every man and woman, just as there is an internal need to be loved, there exists an internal need to happy, and wealth brings happiness. Or so we are told. An Australian study has found that once we are above the poverty line, money only makes a small contribution to our level of happiness. It also found that when people reach the average income level, it virtually makes no difference to our happiness. Another study found that even though people are earning more today than ever before in history (because of equal opportunities, minimum wage, raises etc.), general happiness has not increased dramatically. Studies vary as to how many lottery winners go broke after only a few years of winning millions. Most prove that around 75 and 90% file for bankruptcy. Happiness, I believe, can only be obtained through contentment.

For we brought nothing into the world, and obviously we cannot take anything out of the world; but if we have food and clothing, with these we shall be content (satisfied). (1 Tim 6:7-8 - AMP)

The Amplified bible defines contentment in 1 Tim 6:6 as ‘a sense of inward sufficiency’. In other words; the idea that something is enough. That sounds crazy right? I mean, can you really ever have enough? However there are great advantages to being content. Bible commentator Chuck Swindoll, highlights three important benefits of contentment i.e. it allows current enjoyment rather than constant striving, it gives us freedom to recognise and applaud another’s achievements without being overcome by envy and jealousy and it helps us develop a spirit of gratefulness. Just imagine for a second if all the energy you spend on chasing after riches was lifted off your shoulders. That will take at least ten kilos off and a couple of centimetres off your waist line.

But as for you, O man of God, flee from all these things; aim at and pursue righteousness (right standing with God and true goodness), godliness (which is the loving fear of God and being Christlike), faith, love, steadfastness (patience), and gentleness of heart. (1 Tim 6:11)

Let’s get practical. Firstly, count your blessings; you would be amazed at how much you have if you just open your eyes. Many are not lucky enough to be sitting on a chair and reading this blog. Secondly, flee from THE PURSUIT of riches. In other words run away from it, shun it. It is interesting to note however that there is nothing wrong with being rich or making a lot of money. Problems arise when we focus on the creation, and lose sight of the Creator. Lastly, pursue godliness. God knows what you need, and if you strive to be fully satisfied in Him, He will take care of you (Matt 6:31-33). He already has. He is all sufficient. 

I would love to see some comments on this one. All relevant comments will be put on my ‘further insights’ page at my discretion, even if you disagree.

With Love

Yunam

 

Wired for Love

… God is Love. (1 John 4:8)

Recent studies in neuroscience have shown that when a person is attracted to another, the brain constantly releases a set of chemicals, including pheromones, dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin which stimulate the brains pleasure centre and lead to side effects such as an increased heart rate, loss of appetite, an intense feeling of excitement and loss of sleep. In other words, scientifically, it feels good to be in love. No wonder William Shakespeare made a killing with Romeo and Juliet (pun intended). People are wired for love.

There is a deep internal need in us to love and be loved. We were created in the image of God and God is love. But in this fallen world, love has certainly been distorted. We take advice on love from friends, romance novels and television. We let the need for a good dose of those pleasurable chemicals drive us towards the wrong places. We do everything for the image of love and reject the original love.

There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends. (John 15:13)

How do you measure love? John 15:13 tells us how Jesus measures it. The cross is the place where true, great and full love was demonstrated. The rest of it is an image. This is where God intended for us to get our fix of love and we, in turn are called to give him perfect love (Luke 10:27). He illustrated His love to us by dying on the cross (Rom 5:8) and we are called to illustrate ours to Him by walking in His commandments (John 14:15). This does not mean love between people does not happen, after all, ‘it is not good for a man to be alone’ (Gen 2:8). But even that love, is measured against the sacrifice of Christ (Eph 5:25).

Applying this is the tough part. Accept, supply and expect. First we need to accept the love that God has already given. Even when times seem rough and it seems that God does not love us any more. Remember He has already proven Himself and that His love is perfected and free. Take it. Next, we must be willing to supply this love to others. Actions speak louder than words as they say. Love is more about opposite party than it is about oneself. Be willing to sacrifice. Lastly, we need to expect nothing less from those who say they love us. Their actions must show it. However, if people do not give you perfect love, you should still strive to love them perfectly because God’s love is not conditional, neither should ours be.  

We are wired for love and we often take it and give it in its diluted form. My prayer is that we start going back to the original design.

 

With Love

Yunam