A special kind of crazy
The writer of Hebrews crams a lot into a chapter that often gets skipped.
Hebrews 11 is the faith hall of fame..
Hebrews 12 describes Jesus as the author and perfector of our faith and encourages us not to grow weary.
Hebrews 13 is like the last conversation you have with your father before you drive away to college.
That final chapter of Hebrews is crammed full of advice about love, how we treat strangers and those in prison, a few thoughts on marriage, dealing with leadership and more….but none of it hits as hard or as universally as verses 5 and 6.
“Keep your life free from the love of money, and be content with what you have….”.
Could the author have imagined the world we live in? During the first century, the world was changing quickly without a doubt, but how much did the average reader of the book of Hebrews really know about life across the fence or across the ocean?
Envy and discontent are universal struggles, but did the author even imagine the internet, social media or streaming tv? Did he ever think that one day, people we did not know would take time to present their more glamorous, extravagant lives to us in the privacy of our own homes? Or that we would see strangers’ vacation photos as we sat over our toast and coffee, getting ready for another day of work?
Discontent has always been around. Cain killed Abel in envy, and that feeling has not abated. If anything, it has intensified with information overload.
Hebrews 13 continues, “For He has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper, I will not fear; what can man do to me?”
The Christian heart must press against the innate frustration of not enough, the fear of having not as nice, not as fulfilling a life….and embrace the knowledge that Jesus has promised that He is enough and He will always be with us.
Charles Spurgeon said that if we continue to struggle with discontent while embracing a God who promises to be enough for us, “we are acting insanely.”
It takes a special kind of crazy to believe in two opposite things.
God himself is enough and gives you His pledge. He is your helper. Do not fear people, lack, or your own sense of missing out. He’s everything you need.
Curious about The Bridge? Check out this first installment of a new series on the principles that guide us.
