Expectations For Cravings Not Need
“But godliness with contentment is a great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these” (1 Timothy 6:6-8 HCSB).
We will be very brief with our message this week. The Lord commanded that we share with you this message because in His sight, many people ask and work for things they don’t really need; they just want to have "stuff" because they envy what others have (1 Samuel 8:4-5; Ecclesiastes 4:4). From what is known today, the prosperity teachers encourage envy, greed, laziness, and a demand for more material things from God. They tell people to dream up worldly things and "name it, claim it and receive it!" Unfortunately, they are encouraging a destructive lifestyle that uses God for worldly gain, instead of preparing the saints for a life of worship, holiness and reverent service to God (Ephesians 4:12; 2 Peter 1:5-11). Naturally, we are all ungrateful grumblers! aren't we? Yes, we are never happy about the weather and what we have (Philippians 4:11-13). If I may recall, there were people how asked us to inquire a message for them from the Lord and after hearing the Lord's message they simply remark, 'Is that all He said' or 'I expected Him to say so and so!'.
Having experienced first hand the Lord's blessings, while we may have some great expectations in order to stress our faith, the Lord would release an initial blessing first (Genesis 39:22) before unveiling and releasing the ultimate blessings (Genesis 41:41). We need to point out that personal ambitions does not feature in God's plans, He blesses us in accordance with His purpose (Philippians 2:3). When I asked God for a job He did not give me what I expected but I accepted and expressed my thankfulness and a humble attitude He accepts which might lead to a refreshing supply of more blessings. We encourage you dear brethren, the least you have be content for God measures your attitude and hearts condition in trying times (1 Chronicles 29:17; Jeremiah 17:10). Scripturally, we know that personal cravings comes not from an actual need but from a demanding spirit (Numbers 11:4). However, disobedience and faithlessness robs us of God's blessings (2 Chronicles 24:20; Mark 11:24).
Personal Ambitions Is Self-Driven
Having experienced first hand the Lord's blessings, while we may have some great expectations in order to stress our faith, the Lord would release an initial blessing first (Genesis 39:22) before unveiling and releasing the ultimate blessings (Genesis 41:41). We need to point out that personal ambitions does not feature in God's plans, He blesses us in accordance with His purpose (Philippians 2:3). When I asked God for a job He did not give me what I expected but I accepted and expressed my thankfulness and a humble attitude He accepts which might lead to a refreshing supply of more blessings. We encourage you dear brethren, the least you have be content for God measures your attitude and hearts condition in trying times (1 Chronicles 29:17; Jeremiah 17:10). Scripturally, we know that personal cravings comes not from an actual need but from a demanding spirit (Numbers 11:4). However, disobedience and faithlessness robs us of God's blessings (2 Chronicles 24:20; Mark 11:24).
Furthermore, the worldly lifestyles many Christians are living today have become the acceptable norm. Brethren, I have news for you: The Lord cannot be forced by man into encouraging a lustful lifestyle and giving us what is unnecessary. Having said this, I am not encouraging or advocating deprivation among Christians, neither does the Lord; He promised to give us our daily bread (Matthew 6:11), meet ALL our needs (Philippians 4:19), and enrich us in every way so that we can be generous on every occasion resulting in thanksgiving to God (2 Corinthians 9:11). Truthfully, the increase of earthly possessions brings anxiety and the fear of losing it. Additionally, most people nowadays have not learned to acknowledge or believe that the Lord has provided them enough (Ecclesiastes 5:10-12).
Many brethren might not agree with me here, but I must share what the Lord revealed to us. The Lord said that the business principles employed by the world are based on greed, because their aim is to "maximize profit or gain". This is said to be stimulating "growth"; which is true indeed, but to the benefit of the few (investors, shareholders and business executives), while it impoverishes the masses. If you have studied business in college, you are probably familiar with the words "wealth maximization" or "profit maximization", which describe the prime objective of businesses. As it is, this solid rule is being applied blindly even by Christian institutions without questions of conscience. A few people in the church hierarchy (such as senior pastors) usually benefit from business transactions while the lay believers are left used, abused and confused, without any benefits. Biblically, trade among Christians should not be for selfish gain, but to help one another and the needy; we should not be greedy but content (Deuteronomy 23:19, 24-25).
Every person born into this world thinks that they deserve, or are entitled to, everything that is available. Because of this kind of attitude, we complain, slander and envy (Numbers 11:4). An ungrateful person is driven by a spirit of greed, discontentment and rebelliousness (Numbers 11:4-6). From experience, my brethren, I can tell you that The Lord turns a deaf ear to such an attitude.
In sharp contrast, I have witnessed that the truly humble and grateful inherits blessing, peace and freedom from discontentment. In the Bible, Ruth is one of person who was abundantly blessed for her humility and gratitude. Not only did she leave her family to follow her mother-in-law, but she also humbled herself by picking up leftover grain from the fields. She ended up gleaning in Boaz's field and found favor in his eyes (Ruth 2: 1-14). Through her obedience, she eventually became his wife (Ruth 4:9-12) and was blessed to be an ancestor of Israel’s kings, including The King of Kings --Jesus the Messiah (Matthew 1:1, 5-6). Moses also humbled himself by abandoning his royal privileges to be a shepherd in Midian for 40 years (Exodus 3:1). However, the Lord blessed him with a great calling to go to Pharaoh to bring the Israelites out of Egypt (Exodus 3:10; 6:10) and he found favor in God's eyes.
Greedy Christians
In most of our articles we address Christians, and the Lord has called this ministry to challenge, encourage, rebuke and correct the brethren. Those outside our community of faith have no appreciation for our message; if they did, they would obey the Lord and His teachings (John 10:27; Matthew 7:24-27).
Naturally, as human beings we always have very high expectations from God, and when we ask Him something we expect that He will provide according to our will. Again, in our experience with the Lord, He does not succumb to the human will or pressure; He provides in accordance with our faith, need and for His glory (Philippians 4:19). It is known that human expectations are self-centered and we will always overvalue or overestimate what we really need, and this is a proven fact throughout human history (Exodus 16:18). In the same breath, ungratefulness has led many people to change their physical appearances, jobs, marital partners, ministry calling, and other things in order to match the expectations of others. Therefore, when the need is supplied we develop a need for more; meaning greed takes over; why? The fear of too little troubles us, so greed steps in and controls us. Admittedly, often when the Lord promised me something (and He would use the term "something"), this would always run up my expectations to wild imaginations of great things. When the blessing came it would only be what I needed, and though disappointed, I would accept with a good lesson of contentment.
A Word of Encouragement
Faith is not based on feelings, but on an attitude of trust in God’s ability. Our ever fluctuating emotions and feelings are not a measuring stick for faith; instead, our relationship to Jesus Christ proves our faith by our character. Therefore, the fruit of our faith personifies Christ’ indwelling and the values of society are challenged by a gentle, caring and kind conduct. A life richly lived in Christ by faith shows contentment in all situations (Philippians 4:11-14). Paul said “…..I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 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. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”( Philippians 4:11-13). What we will need is simply just faith in acknowledgment and a grateful attitude to appreciate what was provided. How many of us simply want something because others have it? And how many of us when we have received something undeservingly give it up because it was not what we expected?
Remember our expectations are self-centered and The Lord, who is all-knowing, gives what is needed. Surely, we might get away with manipulating people to meet or match our expectations, but not so with God! Wherefore, a humble spirit is unfading, gentle, gratified and at peace. I would like to conclude with this Scripture: “…godliness with contentment is a great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these” (1 Timothy 6:6-8 HCSB). And remember the Lord said "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear" (Matthew 6:25-24); But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well" (Matthew 6:33). Honor Christ in your conduct and your faith would bear fruit and attraction to Christ!
Vision of God The Father
I had a vision this morning (December 1, 2014). I was outside in a big empty space when I saw a figure of a Man in pure white. His appearance was blurred but I immediately knew it was our Heavenly Father. When I recognized it was Him, I prayed saying, "Father please keep me from
falling!" He did not answer and the vision changed giving me a 3D view. I then saw The Father standing far away, yet close enough, but with His appearance blurred. "Glenn!", He called me by my name in a gentle whispering voice, while looking at me pleasingly. The vision then ended.
I am overwhelmed by His love and gracious care. I did not expect this vision! I love the LORD with all my heart. The LORD knows our future and things that might hinder our walk with Him. He came to show me what I needed to do, and His answer to my prayer was His presence and reassurance of His love. This same love is available to you as well! (John 3:16-17) All the Lord wants of us is to repent and turn away from our sins, wholeheartedly seek Him and obey His Word. Aren't you grateful for what the Lord Jesus Christ has done for us, redeeming us with His precious blood and paying the price for our salvation? I am eternally grateful.
Have you been complaining and expressing a lack of gratitude for your life and the things God has done for or given you? Are you waiting until you “have more” before you can love and be obedient to Christ? If so, please repent. Let us accept and be thankful for the things God has provided, however few we may perceive these; then we will be even more thankful for the many things God will provide (Matthew 25:23) in this life and moreso in heaven. If you would like to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior and begin the journey of freedom and contentment, here is a
Blessed truth and peace,
Brother Glenn.
