1 Timothy 6:6-10 (NJKV) Now 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. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
The values that we are brought up with shape us. As such, parents should ensure they pass on the right values to their children. If you can afford to do so, having a parent stay at home during the children’s formative years always pays off in the long run because there will be a positive voice of influence in their lives.
Parents often desire their children to make it to the best universities. However, when this becomes the sole objective, we instil the wrong values in them and allow their accomplishments to define their identity. When they fail, they will think they are worthless and become depressed and suicidal. All parents want their children to have a promising future, but is it only to be wealthy, successful, and well-accomplished? As Christians, we should also want them to be blessed holistically by walking with God, having good interpersonal relationships, and prospering fully.
Many corporate people live under high stress and discontentment over the lack of promotion and pay rise. Their spouses can also become discontented by comparing themselves with others. To pursue what they have lost, some even get out of a marriage to marry someone more successful, leading to many sorrows.
Life can be much simpler, as it all depends on the lifestyle we choose. Maintaining a lifestyle that we can no longer afford is stressful. The key to reducing stress is to adjust and simplify our lives. However, pride prevents many families from making necessary adjustments.
Philippians 4:11-13 (NKJV)Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everything and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
The Apostle Paul, when he was known as Saul, was zealous in persecuting the church. He lived a privileged life as a member of the Pharisees, but everything changed after his encounter with God. He faced persecution and imprisonment. However, God’s grace was sufficient for him, and he was well cared for by the believers. He learned to be content in whatever state he found himself. We, too, can cultivate contentment in our lives by ensuring that our identity is rooted in Christ rather than in worldly accomplishments.
Sermon Series: Hopefully Contented
培养知足的心
提摩太前书 6:6-10 然而，敬虔加上知足的心便是大利了； 因为我们没有带什么到世上来，也不能带什么去。 只要有衣有食，就当知足。 但那些想要发财的人，就陷在迷惑、落在网罗和许多无知有害的私欲里，叫人沉在败坏和灭亡中。 贪财是万恶之根。有人贪恋钱财，就被引诱离了真道，用许多愁苦把自己刺透了。
我们从小被灌输的价值观塑造了我们。因此，父母应确保将正确的价值观传递给孩子。如果条件允许，在孩子成长的关键阶段让一位家长留在家中陪伴，长远来看总是有益的，因为这会为他们的生命带来积极的声音和影响。
父母常常希望孩子能进入顶尖大学。然而，当这成为唯一目标时，我们就在向他们灌输错误的价值观，让他们的成就定义他们的身份。一旦失败，他们会认为自己毫无价值，陷入抑郁甚至产生自杀的念头。所有父母都希望孩子拥有光明的未来，但这仅仅是为了财富、成功和成就吗？作为基督徒，我们还应该希望他们在与神同行的道路上全然蒙福，拥有良好的人际关系，并在各方面都兴旺发达。
许多职场人士因未获晋升或加薪而承受巨大压力，心怀不满。他们的配偶也可能因与他人比较而心生不满。为了追求失去的东西，有些人甚至选择离婚，转而与更成功的人结婚，最终带来许多痛苦。
生活本可以简单得多，关键在于我们选择的生活方式。维持无法负担的生活方式会带来压力。减轻压力的关键是调整并简化生活。然而，骄傲让许多家庭不愿做出必要的改变。
腓立比书 4:11-13 我并不是因缺乏说这话；我无论在什么景况都可以知足，这是我已经学会了。 我知道怎样处卑贱，也知道怎样处丰富；或饱足，或饥饿；或有余，或缺乏，随事随在，我都得了秘诀。 我靠着那加给我力量的，凡事都能做。
使徒保罗，在名为扫罗的时候，曾热衷逼迫教会。作为法利赛人，他过着优越的生活，但在与神相遇后，一切都改变了。他遭遇迫害和监禁，然而神的恩典够他用，他也得到了信徒的悉心照顾。他学会了在任何境况中知足。我们同样可以在生活中培养知足之心，只要我们的身份扎根于基督，而非世俗的成就。
讲章系列：希望知足
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