Luke 3:14 Then some soldiers asked him, “And what should we do?”He replied, “Don’t extort money and don’t accuse people falsely—be content with your pay.” 

Thoughts: The Gentile/Roman thinking shows here, and this is the kind of thinking that is resurrected today.  At the end of the year, are we content?  Materialism- living for pay or money or things or houses or cars does not bring peace.  Nor does a combination of materialism plus faith.  Jesus said we cannot serve God and money.  This is a core teaching, and is why the rich man went away sad who kept the law from his birth (he lacked the ability to be content because he could not let stuff go).  It is why Jesus said it is "hard for the rich to enter e kingdom of heaven."  Learning this does not start when you get rich.  It begins not with a time but with the Spirit prompting you to seek peace over things.  

      John doesn't say don't get pay-but be content and do not extort or be greedy.  We fight greediness by seeking God and seeking ways to be generous.  If we have two coats, share with someone who has none.  In times of disaster (like the floods in South Carolina) I have seen this.  At Christmas I see it too.  But generosity and peace are things we should have throughout the year.

Prayer: Lord, help me to be content with the abundance you give me.  Help me to have a peaceful heart; eyes to see how to help others; strength to give up stuff and even dreams in order to help others. 

11/11/12- Philippians 4- and Peace

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13)
But my God will supply all your need according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19)
Be anxious for nothing but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God, and the peace of God which passes all understanding will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus our Lord.  (Philippians 4:6,7)
I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation (Phil. 4:12)
Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again, rejoice! (Phil. 4:4)

(Ruins of the Philippian jail from 1st century- Paul and Silas stayed here and sang until the earthquake freed them).

Thoughts: I wrote these multiple verses from the same chapter for us to get a feel for what Paul was trying to say.  Keep in mind Paul was writing these words from prison (Phil. 1:13).  He had been in prison in Philippi and had been singing and praying in prison there.  Paul lived these words out.  He had been a captain of the Pharisees- well educated, wealthy, respected, a rising star.  But he gave it all up to know and follow Christ.  Paul was urging these persecuted Philippians to trust in God- even in their persecution.  These words are hard but true.  Those who have given themselves to the god of this world will have a hard time hearing them- they seem naive.  But peace is found not by more and more things we see, but putting our faith in the unseen God- who made all we see.

Prayer: Help me to  be content in you, Lord.  Give me grace to trade anxiety for prayer; worry for trust; things for faith.