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Key Bible Verse: Stay away from the love of money; be satisfied with what you have (Hebrews 13:5). Bonus Reading:Psalm 16:1-11

The phone rang after dinner the other night. The caller was an acquaintance I hadn't seen since playing hockey against him in high school. It was good to hear his voice. "Phil," he began, "I just love your books. You really make me laugh."

I thanked him. "Is it my picture on the back?" I asked.

He laughed, then asked, "Do you have a minute?" His voice suddenly turned businesslike. "Phil, I was just wondering if … well … could you see yourself making more money?"

There was silence, so he filled it. "I have an excellent opportunity in sales and marketing. Could you see yourself taking more vacations? Having a nicer house? Being able to … well … to give more to needy people?"

I was shocked. Twenty-five years of silence broken by this? "No," I answered. "I'm very content right now. I have a good job. I spend time with my kids. I'm … well, very thankful."

There was more silence. It was his turn to be shocked. "Uh … well … um … all the best there, Phil," he said. And hung up. Perhaps the toughest response a telemarketer ever has to cope with is contentment.

—Phil Callaway in Who Put My Life on Fast-Forward?

My Response: How would I respond to the telemarketer's question?

Thought to Apply: A little is as much as a lot, if it is enough.

—Steve Brown (broadcaster)

Adapted from Who Put My Life on Fast-Forward? (Harvest, 2002) by permission.

Copyright © 2003 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine.
Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity.

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Prayer for the Week

Lord, teach me to get along happily with whatever You wisely and graciously choose for me.

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