Do you have a humble home?
Perhaps there are cracks in the wall, or the rooms needing painting. Maybe there are things that need repair or updating or just things that you wish you could change. You might even look around and wish that your home could be like the catalog or beautiful like your friend's home. This can foster and feed the growing appetite of discontent.
But I think what is important is that if we can remember that humble homes, humble vehicles, humble wardrobes, humble paychecks and humble circumstances are not to be looked at as a curse. We need to instead with a joyful heart look our circumstances, whatever they may be, as God' providence instead.
If we look at what we have with the mindset that this is what God himself has provided for us at this time we can be thankful. We know that He has ultimately provided all that we own and who are we to complain? We can even be joyful knowing that He has provided, even in the leanest of times, and we can rejoice in Him.
America is one of the richest countries in the world and yet we compare ourselves so quickly and become discontent. Third world countries have dirt for floors and use cardboard boxes for walls and somehow they still manage to come together in packs and enjoy the home while eating a simple meal from a plain pot over a fire.
"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."- Phillipians 4:12
Often times, He might allow us to live in humble circumstances to teach and refine us. Are we truly thankful? Are we complaining and grumbling? Do we have any growing to do in this area? Are we being creative with what we have? Will He use us to help others in the same circumstances one day? What is He teaching me through all this?
Whatever your circumstances, whether rich or poor, humble or not, remember to give thanks to the Lord for what He has given you. The very thing you might be cursing could truly be your neighbors prayer come true. You never know how bad someone else has it until you step away from your own cares and worries and fix your eyes on those around you. Let us begin the month of November, the season of thanksgiving, with truly giving thanks. Our homes can be a place where peace, love, and hope and the presence of Christ abounds and in that we are rich.
"...give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. "
1 Thessalonians 5:18
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