Philippians 4:12, 13
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 everything through Him who gives me strength.

The Bible teaches us many life lessons. One of the most useful of those life lessons is that of being content with what you have.

We live in a material world. Hollywood tries to instill in us the belief that it is what you have that counts. According to the media you need the right clothes, the right car, the right shoes, the right hair, the right "look" to be a worthwhile person.

We often spend much of our time striving to obtain more and more of the luxuries that this world offers. We want all the gadgets and all the latest fashions. We want the best cars and houses and our kids want all the latest toys. It is so easy to get caught up in all these "wants" to the degree that we spend all our spare time working toward obtaining "things" instead of investing our time into making this world a better place.

We need to remember that it is not our outward appearance that really matters, but it is what we are inside that counts. It doesn't matter what you have, but WHOSE you are.

Dorcas was a woman that was a great example of this type of contentment and living a life of service toward others. The Scripture record of Dorcas is limited to a few verses in the ninth chapter of Acts, but to this day she stands as an example and inspiration to women.

Dorcas was well know for her good works and charitable deeds. What is significant about the account of her life is that Dorcas not only thought up ways of relieving the needy, but she also carried out her plans! She knew what she could do and she DID it. She didn't spend her time dreaming of things she wanted to have for herself, but she spent her time providing for others. Among her good works was that of making clothes for widows and the needy of her church and community with her own loving hands. We can hold Dorcas as an example to all of us be content with what we have and to look after the welfare of others.

Are you content with the things the Lord has given you or do you often complain that you don't have the newest and latest contraption ? Do you spend your time serving God and others or do you spend your time working overtime to have extra money so that you can have more purchasing power?

To be honest, sometimes I struggle with being content with what I have. A new rug in my entryway would be nice and so would a new living room chair ... If I am able to earn a little extra to purchase these things, that's great. But I need to remember my priorities. I need to remind myself that I've chosen to live a simple lifestyle so that I could have the time and energy to invest in relationships with people.

So when I look around my house - or in my closet - and start dreaming of things I would like to have, I need to remind myself that God is good and he amply supplies for all my needs - even many of my "wants". I don't always need the latest gadget and newest clothes. These things don't bring true happiness. But being content with what you have does bring peace.

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Patricia Chadwick is the creator of History's Women and author of
several titles. Check out her latest book, OLD FASHIONED
HOLIDAYS available in both print and ebook formats at
www.HistorysWomen.com