What do we need to be truly satisfied?

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“As long as we have food and clothes, we should be satisfied.”
1 Timothy 6:8 God’s Word to the Nations

There are basically two elements to this picture of the full moon: the moon itself and the clouds. I know that you scientist out there will tell me that there is much more going on in this picture, and I’m sure that you’re correct. However, from a photographer’s point-of-view there are basically these two elements that make this picture work.

Paul states that he would be satisfied with two things, with food and clothing; that’s it. Could you and I say the same thing? Probably not, at least I know that I would not be satisfied with the basics of life.

Yet, the more technologically savvy we become and the more gadgets that we possess, the more we long for simplicity. Things don’t make us happy, or at least provide a happiness that last longer than the gadgets themselves.

The fact that Paul was okay with simplicity is because he already possessed all that he needed. He possessed the mercy of God in Christ. Paul considered himself wealthier than other people even though he didn’t have “stuff.”

I’m not against stuff. I have plenty of it myself. I’m well connected to my electronic devices and my camera gear, and I enjoy this stuff, especially my photography equipment.

However, all these things will break. I’ll have to figure out how to recycle my broken stuff, but the relationship that God established with me through his Son, Jesus Christ, will last for eternity.

The same is true for you.

As we reflect on life we realize that the only thing that matters now, and in the life to come, is our relationship to Jesus. That’s simplicity.

Text and Picture Copyright Douglas P Brauner