Better than new furniture

September 3, 2026

From Pastor Joseph Wamack

I got some new furniture in my office at the church! I got some new furniture! I am so excited! (Can you tell?) One of our generous members (who shall remain nameless) was emptying out a storage unit and had some lovely office furniture they didn’t need. I had been saying to Jackie and Pastor Eileen in the office that I wanted to get a new desk, since the desk I was using was about 25 years old and beat up. I felt guilty that I was thinking about spending that kind of money when it wasn’t truly “needed.” And then the generous member offered not just a desk, but a credenza, a hutch, a book shelf and two chairs. As my mom used to say, “I thought I’d died and gone to heaven!”

There was so much furniture I was unable to fit it all into my comfy, cozy office. Please come by and see it. I shall be scheduling tours! (There might be a small fee for the tour, but the fee will go to the school of course). I love to go into my office and just sit and think about how much I love my office.

I know what you are saying, “Preacher, I am mighty glad you got new furniture, but what does that have to do with us here at MAC?” Here is how my mind works. I realized I loved going into my office even before with the older furniture. I loved going into the church to work or for Sabbath services before. I was content before, but now it just feels a bit brighter. And I realized stuff can give a temporary feel-good moment, but in the end, and day by day, contentment comes from within.

Paul says in Philippians 4:11-13, “Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.”

Paul notes he had to learn how to be content. He did not naturally know how to be content. He practiced and developed this inner peace over time through hard experiences. It fits any situation: Paul wrote this while suffering in a Roman prison. He knew what it felt like to be very rich and very poor, to be full and to be hungry. Contentment does not depend on things: contentment is a state of the heart. It does not change whether a person has a lot of money or very little.

It is wonderful to enjoy the generosity of someone else, unexpected joys and surprises, a kind word, a beautiful sunrise, a delicious cooked meal or a smile from a friend. But contentment is something you own, something you wear, something you possess. Walking with Jesus through the highs and lows of this world can teach you and remind you no matter what is going on around you - very rich, very poor, old furniture, incredible new stuff - you are loved, you are worthy of His presence, you have a future and a hope. We can do all things and be who we are called to be through Jesus. That is good news! Even better than my new furniture!!