From the Elder's Pen "A Satisfied Mind" 11/03/02 Past/Future Articles

 How many times have you heard someone say, “If I had his money I could do things my way”?  But little they know that it’s so hard to find one rich man in ten with a satisfied mind.  These lines are from a country music song popular 40 or more years ago.  The same desire for money and riches continues today.  People will go to almost any extreme to obtain the almighty dollar.  They think wealth and riches are the one and only key to a satisfied mind.
 Prime examples of a get rich scheme that people are “falling” for today are the states lotteries.  Millions of dollars are poured into these coffers each year from incomes that are sorely needed for food, clothing, shelter, support of families, etc.; each one with the idea, “If I could just win the lottery, all my life’s problems would be solved.”
 Even Christians are being drawn into this debacle by the “chance” of an “easy life.”  They seem to forget Jesus’ words in Luke 3:14 “...and be content with your wages.”  The Apostle Paul said in Philippians 4:11, “Not that I speak in respect of want; for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.”  In 1 Timothy 6:6-8 Paul also said, “But godliness with contentment is great gain.  For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.  And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.”  In Hebrews 13:5, the writer says, “Let your conversation be without covetousness (Be ye free from the love of money, ASV.)  and be content with such things as ye have, for he hath said, ‘I will never leave thee nor forsake thee.’ ”
 Those who would follow the teachings of God’s word are given the assurance of a satisfied mind.  In Matthew 6:33, Jesus said, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.”  this is not a promise of anything and everything you could want, but of that which is needed to sustain you in this life.
 The lottery is a very tempting and enticing tool of Satan to draw individuals to the ways and cares of the world.  For those who would seek to follow Christ, the words of 1 Timothy 6:10 ring loudly; “For the love of money is the root of all evil; which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”  Just as loudly are Jesus’ words in Matthew 16:26, “For what is a man profited if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?  Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?”
 And the words of the song continue. “The wealthiest person is a pauper at times, compared to the man with a satisfied mind.”