“It is no wonder that we the West are so frequently described as being materialistic, superficial, and selfish. Our drive to possess and consume, as well as our tendency to believe that worth can be measured by wealth, are hallmarks of a society that has lost its way…May God help us to simplify our lifestyle, grow in generosity, and live in contentment.”
John R.W. Stott (1921-2011) in Issues Facing Christians Today () 295, 318.
This meditation comes from a great chapter in Issues Facing Christians Today entitled, “Simplicity, Generosity, and Contentment.” I commend it to you. It opens with this sobering statement and closes with this simple prayer.
I included both his opening statement and closing prayer because for a society that has “lost its way” I believe Stott is spot on! The answer is simplicity, generosity, and contentment, and these three traits mark a pathway that is only possible to walk with God’s help.