¹⁵ And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” (Luke 12:!5 ESV)

If you are reading this and live in America, you are probably doing pretty well. We live a life of more abundance that we often realize. In fact, I would go so far to say that most of us live opulent lives when gauged upon a global scale.

Yet, our lives are typically marked with a constant desire for more. I count myself in this rank and file. There are a number of areas where no matter how good what I have it, I want better. Where one is good, but two is better. Part of this is simple ambition, but some of it I realize is covetousness that I must guard against.

Lifestyle is something that we get used to. I did not grow up with wealthy parents. They both worked and we were comfortable, but we never had a big house or fine things. I realize this now, but at the time I never thought of it and, aside from the desires of a child, I really never wanted for more.

I watch my children, who are now adults, trying to make ends meet in a time when everything is insanely expensive. They are getting by, but not living opulently, and there is a value in this early in life. I can still remember my first pay checks and I wonder now at how my wife and I made it by in those days. But I will tell you that I also know that God was there helping us make ends meet every day.

When God is there, He will fulfill your needs.