Seventh-Day Adventist Devotional For Children: “Ambition versus Finding contentment”

DAILY BREAD – DEVOTIONAL FOR CHILDREN

EASTERN NIGERIA UNION CONFERENCE CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES

Thursday, February 8, 2024

Title: Ambition versus Finding contentment

“ I saw that all hard work and skillful labor come from people’s jealousy of their neighbors. This too is meaningless, like chasing the wind.” (Ecclesiastes 4:4)

Have you ever felt like you have to keep up with what your friends or neighbors are doing? Maybe you see them with something cool, and suddenly you want it too? Well, guess what? The Bible talks about this in Ecclesiastes 4:4, and it teaches us something super important about finding true happiness.

Imagine trying to catch the wind – it’s impossible, right? Well, that’s kind of like when we keep wanting things just because we see others have them or impress them or we want people to think we’re cool or to be jealous of what we have. The Bible says that when we work hard or try to achieve things just because we’re jealous of what others have, it’s like trying to catch something we can never really hold onto.

Instead of always looking at what others have, working hard just to impress others or to get stuff, the Bible teaches us to be content with what we have. Rather, let’s focus on things that really matter. Like helping others, being kind, and making a positive difference in the world. God made each of us special and unique, and He has a special plan for each of our lives. When we focus on His plan for us and appreciate what we have, that’s when we find true happiness.

So, instead of chasing after what others have, let’s focus on being thankful for what God has given us. Let’s work hard because we want to do our best and make God proud, not because we’re trying to keep up with others. That’s where real joy and contentment come from!

So, my dear friends, remember, true happiness comes from being content with what God has given us. Let’s chase after His plan for us and find joy in His love! 🌟✨

Thought for Reflection
Take a moment to reflect on times when you may have felt jealous or envious of others. Consider how chasing after what others have made you feel and whether it brought lasting happiness. Think about the importance of finding contentment in God’s unique plan for your life and the blessings He has given you instead of comparing yourself to others. Work hard because you want to honor God and be the best version of yourself, not because you’re trying to keep up with others.

Song
When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.
Refrain
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God hath done;
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done

Prayer
Dear God, thank you for the unique plan you have for each of us. Thank you for making each of us special. Help us to be content with what we have and to trust in your provision and Your plan for our lives. Guide us to work hard and honor you in all that we do and not because we’re trying to keep up with others. Give us hearts of gratitude for the blessings you have given us. In Jesus’ name, amen.