1 Timothy 6:6-8

But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.

 1 Timothy 6:6-8 (ESV)

An eternal perspective. Something I can't be reminded of enough. How often I confuse what I want with what I need. I tell myself I need a MacBook Air. I need a car with heated seats. I need a new wardrobe. I need to lose twenty pounds. I need a husband, kids, and a house on the hill. I used to idolize reality TV stars like Lauren Conrad. All I needed was a fancy apartment in LA, a black Beemer convertible, a cool job, beautiful friends, and plenty of time and money for spontaneous weekends in Vegas. Isn't this the obvious equation to happiness? Well, Cassie, this is hardly what the Creator of the world says will make you happy.
In this verse, Paul is teaching an important lesson to Timothy, as well as to all of us. The world tells us everything that we want to need. It is so easy to get wrapped up in it all. Our flesh wants to compare what we have with our friends and get down on ourselves if it doesn't compete. What a blessing it is that God doesn't judge us for our possessions. He tells us that He sent us into this world with nothing and that is the same way we will come out. As long as we have the basic things to survive, we are to be content in Him.
Before I came here I dropped my iPhone in the toilet and ruined it. My contract isn't up until November so I couldn't get a new one. I had to get a cheap pay as you go phone to tide me over until I get home in April. I often find myself creepily staring at other people's iPhones while I'm here wishing I had one. "They don't even appreciate that front view camera! Gosh I wish my phone had a flashlight like hers does. If only I had my iPhone I could listen to music while I run." All of these worldly thoughts swirl in my mind. I thank God for this verse so I can draw back to it during my selfish "wants."