The ancient Greek philosopher Socrates believed that if an individual was truly wise, he would not be obsessed with possessions. Practicing to an extreme what he preached, he even refused to wear shoes.

However, Socrates loved to visit the marketplace and gaze with admiration at the great abundance of products on display. When a friend asked why he was so allured, he replied, “I love to go there and discover how many things I am perfectly happy without.”

That type of attitude runs exactly opposite to the commercial messages that continually bombard our eyes and ears. Advertisers spend millions to tell us about all the latest products that we can’t be happy without.

The apostle Paul advised his spiritual son Timothy, “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 clothing, with these we shall be content” (1 Timothy 6:6-8). If we become enamored with things, Paul warned, we may wander from the faith and be pierced with the pangs of frustrated desire (1 Timothy 6:9-10).

Let’s ask ourselves, “What am I truly happy without?” The answer will reveal much about our relationship with the Lord and our contentment with Him.

Socrates and the apostle Paul both emphasized the importance of contentment independent from material possessions. Finding happiness and fulfillment without being attached to material things seems to be a common thread in many of their teachings. It’s an interesting perspective, especially in a world inundated with messages urging us to find happiness through consumerism. How do you relate to these ideas in your own life?

Contentment comes not from great wealth, but from few wants (Philippians 4:11).