A few years ago, an automaker used the tune of the old Shaker song "Simple Gifts" to promote a luxury car. To those who knew the lyrics, it seemed contradictory to use a song about finding contentment in a simple way of life to sell an expensive car. It says, "'Tis the gift to be simple, 'tis the gift to be free, 'tis the gift to come down where we ought to be."

We often struggle to accept the Bible's teaching that contentment has nothing to do with our wardrobe, our bank account, or whether we have steak or fish sticks for supper. It is not material prosperity but "godliness with contentment" that the apostle Paul called "great gain" (1 Timothy 6:6). Timothy may have been as stunned as we are to read the words, "having food and clothing, with these we shall be content" (v.8).

How many of us will pause today to thank the Lord because we have something to wear and something to eat? But how might our lives be revolutionized if we did?

That old Shaker song also reminds us that contentment is a gift that is to be enjoyed. It says, "And when we find ourselves in the place just right, 'twill be in the valley of love and delight." In the abundance of God's simple gifts, we can be content.   — David C. McCasland