April 12

Apr 12 - Today from Proverbs 12 we look at verse 11
"He who works his land will have abundant food, but he who chases fantasies lacks judgment."

This is a proverb of contrasting thoughts. It stands to reason that if a person owns a plot of tillable land, and that person properly works that land, the land will provide food for his table, and probably extra for selling at a profit. The second thought would stand as a contrast to that picture. Thus, we see a person who owns a plot of tillable land, but instead of working with the land he has, he chases after uncertain schemes that promise more profit with less effort. He lacks judgment.
The blessing of living in a land of prosperity can also become a curse. When there is an abundance of discretionary money flowing through the economy, there is also an abundance of schemes to direct the flow of that money into personal coffers. The only ones who gain from such schemes are the schemers. Schemers are experts at building and presenting fantasies. Wisdom knows enough not to chase after them.
I am of the conviction that God has given every man 'a plot of tillable land'. Every man possesses some gift, talent or ability which when developed and utilized will provide for his basic needs. That's really all we NEED in life to find contentment. 1 Timothy 6:6-8 says, "Godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that." Hebrews 13:5 says, "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have." Too many have deluded themselves into thinking that contentment lies just beyond what we have now. The truth is that every believer has been called to full-time ministry in life. Our primary ministry is to worship God. Discovering, developing and utilizing the unique gifts He has given each of us is a part of worship. We find fulfillment in what He has provided. There is contentment in gratitude. Another part of our ministry in life is to be His witnesses. We do that by living our lives for Him. Our occupation supports our ministry. We work to provide for our basic needs so that we can live for Christ. At least that's the way God meant it to be.
If we are truly maturing in our Christian walk, we should end up in the place where Paul did regarding achieving contentment. He tells us in Philippians 4:12, 13 - "I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." I must confess I have not yet fully arrived. (Lord, give me grace.) But, the closer I get, the less likely I am to chase after fantasies. The grass on my side of the fence is plenty green. If it's not, I will trust the Shepherd to either lead me to other pastures or to send some showers of blessing to green it back up. Either way, my contentment lies in Him. There are plenty of others out there who are willing to take me to their greener pastures - just on the other side of the fence - for a small price. Wisdom knows better. Wisdom finds contentment in using that which God has provided. His grace is sufficient.