The Path to Contentment

 

But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs. (1 Timothy 6:6-10 ESV).

 

I recently saw a news report of the Community First Village in Austin, Texas. Community First Village is a unique ministry rebirth and redemption that has sprung up within the walls of the tiny houses and RVs that dot this master-planned East Austin neighborhood, which opened three years ago with a mission of providing homes and support to people who are coming out of chronic homelessness. As the neighborhood continues to grow, it's placing Austin in a new spotlight, with groups from across the country looking to replicate this model within their own cities.

 

All the residents are required to pay rent, which many earn from jobs in the community itself. These jobs may be in the gardens where much of the food is grown for the residents. There are other tasks that the residents provide that make the village self-sustained as well. The common theme is the simplicity of life among each of the residents. The homes are all in the 200-400 square foot range.  Most of us would find it very difficult to “fit” into such a small space. However, all of the residents here find it freeing.

 

It is much like the Apostle Paul in our reading today. He says, “If we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.” Paul’s point is well-taken. Materialism sets all kinds of traps and temptations that can lead us astray from the path of faith. It reminds me of the principle in the tenth commandment: “Do not covet” (cf. Exodus 20:17). It points the way to contentment. Stuff has never been the answer to contentment. Don’t misunderstand. It is not the “stuff” that robs us of contentment, but the relentless pursuit of more stuff. We could all do with less of that!