What's Really Important?

Several years ago I was unhappy with my home (because it's an underground home with not much light inside - although we did add skylights). I began to complain to my husband and to God about it.

Then I saw this documentary about a couple from North Korea who lived in a village where most everyone was starving and they decided to take a dangerous trek into China to live and work। They felt it was their only hope for the survival for themselves and their three children.

At any rate, they did make the trip and the husband eked out a home for them in the side of a mountain where there was a small cave ( they lived in this cave for almost three years)। I won't go into all the troubles they went through ...only to say they suffered a great deal before they were found and sent back to North Korea where they were sent to prison. They are out of prison now and reunited with most of their children.

Anyway, the reason I'm telling this is because after I saw the documentary I became so ashamed of my attitude and I asked God to forgive me। Now, whenever I even think of grumbling about my home God brings the memory of this family and I thank Him for my blessings. I look about my home and tell myself that at least I don't have to live in a "real cave" and see my family suffer. We are rich beyond imagining with a safe and nice home - plenty of food and other wonderful amenities. Most of all, we are Christians and will one day be in heaven where our "real" riches are stored.

So, what is really important?

Here's what God says:
"Be content with such things as ye have; for He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee"-- Heb_13:5.

Below is a commentary on the above verse by F।B. Meyer ( (April 8, 1847 – March 28, 1929) who was a Baptist pastor and evangelist in England.

SUCH THINGS as ye have, plus! The Greek literally means that there is within us an undeveloped power only awaiting the call, and there will be enough। I may be speaking to people who wish that they had more money, or more brains, or more influence. They dream of the lives they would live, of the deeds they would do, if only they were better circumstanced. But God says No! You have present within the narrow confines of your own reach the qualities that the world is wanting. Use them, and be content with the things that you have. You have never explored the resources of your own soul.

"Such things as ye have"--Moses had only a rod, but a rod with God can open the Red Sea। David had only five pebbles, but these with God brought down Goliath. The woman had only a little pot of oil, but that pot of oil with God paid all her debts. The poor widow was scraping the bottom of the barrel, but with God the handful of meal kept her child, herself, and the prophet until the rain came. The boy had only five tiny loaves and two small fish, but with Jesus they were enough for five thousand men, beside women and children. Estimate what you have got, and then count God into the bargain! He never lets go your hand. He will never leave nor forsake those that trust in Him!

Therefore be content! The most glorious deeds that have blessed and enriched the world have not been done by wealthy men। Our Lord had none of this world's goods; the apostles had neither silver nor gold; Carey was only a poor cobbler; Bunyan a traveling tinker; Wesley left two silver spoons. It is not money, but human love and God that is needed. Therefore do not be covetous; do not hoard, but give! Be strong and content. With good courage say: "The Lord is my Helper; I will not fear"--for life or death, for sorrow or joy!

The soul that to Jesus has fled for repose,
He cannot, He will not, desert to its foes।
That soul, though all hell should endeavor to take,
He'll never, no never, no never forsake! AMEN