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Key Bible Verse: Don't fall in love with money. Be satisfied with what you have. (Hebrews 13:5, CEV) Dig Deeper: Psalm 49

As we contemplate the standards of success put forward by our culture in light of God's words in Scripture, we are immediately struck by the fact that his ways are not like our ways and his thoughts are not like our thoughts.

While our culture sets forth material wealth as the standard of success, Jesus has a different standard. He insists that people's lives do not consist in the abundance of their possessions (Luke 12:15). In one of his parables, Jesus identified as fools those who continually strive to accumulate more and more for themselves "but are not rich toward God" (Luke 12:16-21, TNIV). Rather than obsessively trying to accumulate treasures on earth, "where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal" (Matt. 6:19, NIV), and where global economic crises can devastate their value, Jesus calls his followers to build up a far safer investment with a far greater return: treasures in heaven.

Followers of Jesus are called to seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, trusting that our heavenly Father will give us what we need (Matt. 6:33). Armed with this conviction, we can be liberated from fear and greed and, as a result, experience the joy of contentment and generosity.

—Steven Roy in What God Thinks When We Fail

My Response: I will reflect on what it means to be content with God's provision.

Thought to Apply: Contentment is one of the most distinguishing traits of the godly person, because a godly person has his heart focused on God rather than on possessions or position or power.—Jerry Bridges (writer, leader in discipleship ministry)

Adapted from What God Thinks When We Fail (IVP, 2011) by permission. All rights reserved by the copyright holder and/or the publisher. May not be reproduced.

Copyright © 2013 by Christianity Today/Men of Integrity magazine. Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity.

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Prayer for the Week

Father, help me to define success the way you do; remind me that the only opinion that ultimately matters is yours.

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