"When goods increase, they are increased that eat them: and what good is there to the owners thereof, saving the beholding of them with their eyes?" (Ecclesiastes 5:11 KJV)
""I have never coveted anyone's silver or gold or fine clothes. You know that these hands of mine have worked to supply my own needs and even the needs of those who were with me. And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"" (Acts 20:33-25 NLT)
The above statement is given by Paul, just before he set out in a ship towards Jerusalem, where he had expected to encounter some trouble from the Jews; but nevertheless, he was bound by the Spirit to go. It doesn't take a whole lot of courage to be bound to do something you know you must do, because your life is in God's hands, not your own!
There is more freedom in having little, than in having much. At this point in Paul's life, he had very little and spent all of his time preaching the Gospel, from one place to another. If he had anything at all, it was the tools he needed to mend tents; doing whatever he could to not rely on others to support his ministry.
Something that Solomon knew quite well, was the more you had, the more you need others to help take care of it! This is something that is currently bothering me; not that I can't take care of it, but that I really don't know where to start! My front yard is okay but has lost some of the luster; but the back yard is a wreck. I need to either spend several weeks getting it cleaned and fixed up myself or spend several thousand dollars having it done by others.
As I was typing this verse this morning, I had to laugh at Solomon's question; because just the sight of what I see looking out the window, is really not good at all! There is something to be said for not having much to take care of: You don't have to take care of too much!
Anywho; this might be a good time to make a plan and set out to get some things done. After all, we are also told to be good stewards of all that God gives to us. If you are in this same situation, make a plan; nothing gets done unless you make the plan, by writing it down; otherwise, you have no way to check it off of your list, as you get things done...
"We who are strong must be considerate to those who are sensitive about this. We must not just please ourselves. We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord. For even Christ didn't live to please himself. As the Scriptures say, "The insults of those who insult you, O God, have fallen on me." Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God's promises to be fulfilled." (Romans 15:1-4 NLT)
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