Let Us Be Content

I came back with more lessons than souvenirs during my trip to the Emerald Isle this past summer. One of them I learned from a local Irish family who welcomed me and other members of my tour group into their home. 

Seated around a beautifully laden dining table, we all joined in a riveting discussion on the intricacies of Irish culture over homemade shepherd’s pie. At one point during the evening, our hosts—a wonderfully hospitable married couple—asked their 17-year-old daughter to play the harp for us. The moment her fingers began gliding across the delicate strings, tears came to my eyes as the enchanting sound of Irish melodies filled the room. Once this intimate performance had concluded, the couple began telling us more about their daughter’s musical journey. 

The harp—a popular symbol in Ireland—had been their daughter’s pride and joy since she was little. She began playing the lovely instrument early on in life and had honed her skills throughout her teen years. She had even competed—no doubt captivating large crowds while doing so. But what struck me the most was when her mother explained how her budding musician—though quite seasoned in my opinion—would rather play for loved ones than compete. This revelation moved me as much as the music had. 

Since I was 12, I had always dreamed of becoming a best-selling novelist. As the years passed, I found myself not where I expected to be and experiencing an overwhelming sense of failure. In my mind, anything less seemed like second best. This harpist could have easily gone on to eventually perform in elaborate orchestras, but instead she was set on pursuing a college degree in a completely different field. I wondered: Was she wasting her God-given talent? 

First Timothy 6:6-10 teaches people who crave success a valuable lesson: 

True godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content. But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.

Our gifts and talents are not meant to be self-serving but to bless others. Whether or not I ever see my name on the New York Times bestseller list, I believe that my writing will serve a greater purpose than I could ever think or imagine. God has placed dreams inside all our hearts—just as He did for the men and women of the Bible. But when success begins to define our self-worth, let us be content and consider what truly matters. 

Dear God, give us the strength and courage to fulfill the purposes You have set before us. Keep us humble as we bless the world with the gifts and talents You have bestowed on us. Teach us to see that true contentment ultimately comes from enjoying an intimate relationship with You. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. 

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Scripture is quoted from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.