By: Mike Riley
The ancient Greek philosopher Socrates (469-399 BC) believed that if an individual was truly wise, he would not be obsessed with possessions. Practicing to an extreme what he preached, he even refused to wear shoes.
However, Socrates loved to visit the marketplace (see video) and gaze with admiration at the great abundance of products on display. When a friend asked why he was so allured, he replied, “I love to go there and discover how many things I am perfectly happy without.” That type of attitude runs exactly opposite to the commercial messages that continually bombard our eyes and ears. Advertisers spend millions to tell us about all the latest products that we can’t be happy without.
The apostle Paul advised his spiritual son Timothy, “Godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content” (1 Timothy 6:6-8 NKJV). If we become enamored with things, Paul warned, we may wander from the faith and be pierced with the pangs of frustrated desire (1 Timothy 6:9-10 NKJV). Let’s ask ourselves, “What am I truly happy without?” The answer will reveal much about our relationship with the Lord and our contentment with Him.
Contentment comes not from great wealth, but from few wants (Philippians 4:11 NKJV).