“You’re blessed when you’re content with just who you are—no more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought.”
Matthew 5:5 The Message
The more familiar version of this verse is “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” This blessing is part of the Beatitudes, a set of blessings by Jesus he gives as he begins his great Sermon on the Mount.
Perhaps more than other blessings, this one may have surprised Jesus’ listeners. Why? So often in the world, we see those who are pushy, bold, proud and audacious as being successful. Sometimes these people even appear to be idolized and emulated. They may also not be the nicest people. The world would tell us that if you are meek, hesitant, and content, you are going to be passed over by those who have more drive and ambition. One might be successful by the world’s standards, but not by the kind of standards Jesus is talking about.
Being content with who you are means that you are comfortable in your own skin. You do not feel the need to change for other people. Jesus wants us to be content with who He has created us to be. Being successful in the eyes of Jesus ought to be our ultimate goal.
Someone has said that the secret to happiness is not constantly striving for something more, but being happy with the blessings you have been given. There is so much truth in this statement. Some may think that the grass is always greener in the next pasture, but that is not always true. In fact, it may more often be an illusion. Temptation comes in many forms…
When we have achieved this kind of contentment with Jesus, we will find ourselves blessed with the things which really matter, and which cannot be purchased with money: happiness, purpose and love. Such blessings are truly priceless, an inheritance from the King of Kings!
Prayer
Lord God Almighty,
Thank you for Your power, and Your love. Remind me that success in Your eyes is far more important that what people label as important. Help me to focus on accumulating the blessings You offer, rather than the money and power the world claim as important. Reassure me of Your care and love. Help me to lead a humble, thoughtful life, loving You, and loving my brothers and sisters. I pray this prayer in the name of Your son, my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
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