What Paul was able to do was enjoy the abundance for what it was, as a gift from God for a time, but contentment means being satisfied not with the gifts but with the Giver. And this makes all the difference. A failure to understand this distinction is why it is so hard for rich people to follow Jesus. Because money doesn’t satisfy—but so many of those with lots of wealth think they will reach contentment if they just get “more.” But “more” is a desire that never ends. This is why Gary Thomas calls contentment a “discipline.” It’s something that has to be recalled, practiced, put into effect
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