Myth #3: "My Own Sufficiency Will Supply My Needs"

When it comes to our money and our possessions, we sometimes fall into the trap of trusting in our own sufficiency. It’s easy to do as we see certain cause-and-effect scenarios play out.

• “I worked hard, so I got a raise.”
• “My team crushed our quarterly targets, so a big bonus is coming my way.”
• “I’ve put the time and the hours in. That promotion is mine.”

Before we know it, we’ve taken the sufficiency of Jesus out of the picture and replaced it with our own sense of self-sufficiency. With this mindset, we tend to credit ourselves when things are going well. On the other hand, when we are going through a hardship, we feel utterly helpless.

The letter to the Hebrews is written as encouragement to Christians who were going through trials, pointing them back to the sufficiency of Jesus. In Hebrews 13:5, we see a plea toward contentment and a reminder that the Lord is our helper and will not leave or forsake us.

Philippians 4:19 tells us God will supply every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. And we can’t discuss God’s provision of our needs without also acknowledging the value of hard work. While we trust God to provide, we are also called to work and be productive. 1 Timothy 5:8 speaks to the value of work ethic and providing for our families. While we use our gifts and talents to work, we also trust fully in God’s provision.

Lord Jesus, I am who you say I am. You say I am provided for. I can rely on your sufficiency.