Top X August 14, 2025 Devotional

1 TIMOTHY 6:6-8 | ⁶ Of course, there is great gain in            godliness combined with contentment, ⁷ for we brought       nothing into the world, so that we can take nothing out of it, ⁸ but if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these.

MATTHEW 5:3, 6 | ³ Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

⁶ Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

Envy or covetousness is rooted in discontentment with ourselves and our own lives. It erodes the happiness and satisfaction we are meant to experience as we proceed with our own tasks, callings, and relationships. This is unholy discontent.

There is, of course, a holy discontent, in which we are not satisfied with our world or ourselves. We seek to do better and be better. We want to change injustices, overcome bad habits, and see the       kingdom come, both in us and around us.

Unholy discontent involves a desire to have someone else’s life. Holy discontent wants everyone’s life to be better. It is compatible with receiving your own life and relationships as a precious gift. Unholy discontent or envy is not.

Do you have a holy or unholy discontent?

Gracious God,

Make my discontent holy!

Amen.