Day #221 Contentment in the Bible - Character Development, Week #32

Today I wanted to use scripture to talk about contentment. We looked up the following verses, and I simplified the verses to make it a tad more accessible for the kids.

* “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” – 1 Timothy 6:6-10
* “Everyone comes naked from their mother’s womb,
and as everyone comes, so they depart.
They take nothing from their toil
that they can carry in their hands.” – Ecclesiastes 5:15

* “Do not be overawed when others grow rich

when the splendor of their houses increases;

for they will take nothing with them when they die

their splendor will not descend with them.

Though while they live they count themselves blessed—

and people praise you when you prosper—

they will join those who have gone before them,

who will never again see the light of life.

People who have wealth but lack understanding

are like the beasts that perish.” – Psalm 49:16-20

* “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” – Matthew 6:19-21

Have you head the quote, “He who dies with the most toys, still dies?” It’s a fact. You came into this world with nothing, and you’ll leave with nothing. Like I said, I simplified these scriptures for the kids. I asked them what they came into the world with. Funny enough, they said, “hats.” Most of their baby pictures they’ve seen have hats, so I think it’s really entertaining that they thought they were born in hats. I showed them the first pictures of when they were born to assure them that they, indeed, came into this world with nothing. I asked tons of questions while I was reading these scriptures with the kids. I asked them what they would take with them to heaven (nothing). I asked them what they should love more than money and things (God and people). I told them that often people begin to care about money more than people and do very hurtful things because of it. I asked them what they could store up for heaven (helping other people know about Jesus and the fruits of the spirit). I encouraged them to be content and not seek more, more, more because it won’t make them happy, and it takes the emphasis off what Jesus cared about most – loving God and loving people. I want to capture my kids’ hearts for what God’s heart is all about.