As a family we are thankful to God for the provision of a new home, and we are looking forward to moving in at the end of next month. It is good however to be reminded of our Lord’s own position in life. Matt 8:20, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.”
We can learn a number of things from the example of Jesus:
a) Our lives should consist in more than the pursuit of earthly comforts. How sad it is that so many cannot see past food, clothing and houses. While necessary to live, such items should not be the sum and substance of our lives. They are to assist us as we seek to serve God, they were never meant to replace Him. Jesus taught us the pointlessness of putting undue emphasis on things temporal and transient “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; 20but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.” Matt 6:19-20
b) Jesus trusted His Father to provide those things of which He had need. As we make the kingdom of God our priority, we may never own the kinds of possessions that others around us have. Yet we can trust that the God who loves us will enable us to live comfortably. David observed “I have been young, and now am old; yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his descendants begging bread.” Psalm 37:25
c) It is possible to find contentment in the basic necessities of life. Jesus did not own anything of significance and He is set before us as the model of contentment. One does not need to have much in order to be happy, rather true happiness is the fruit of finding peace with God through Christ. Paul was thus able to say, “Now godliness with contentment is great gain. 7For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.” 1 Tim 6:6-8
It is our prayer that our new home will be blessed by God as we put Him first and use this provision for His glory.