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Paul didn't plan on seeing the people of Ephesus again. I would believe that his last words were not just inspired by the Holy Spirit but were words that he had great conviction in sharing. Of the things he mention in his parting words, these stuck out to me.

1. Be content.

I could go on and on with scripture reference after reference about God's desire for believers to be content. But the question is, "What is content?" Specifically, when it comes to possessions as Paul was referring to here, it simply means you look at what you have been given by God and say, "Ok God, thanks for this." Simply put, if you find yourself wanting the things you don't have more than you find yourself grateful for the things you have, then you're probably a good candidate for help in the area of contentment.

2. Be responsible.

Sure. You got some dreams. You don't want to work that job forever. You want to do something you're passionate about. You want to feel like you're making a difference.

So what do you do?

Nothing. You just sit around and complain about how you have never been given the chance, or how you can't find the right job. You talk about how you want to pursue these "dreams" and how they'll make you feel like you're fulfilling God's call on your life.

How about God's call to pay your bills, to provide for yourself or your family?

So take that job that doesn't pay much and work longer hours. Stay at the job you have even though you hate the work, hate the boss, hate the environment. Stay until you find a new job. Don't leave a job without another job.

Minister to your own needs - but don't forget others.

3. Be generous

So you're content with the little you have. You work a job you hate that won't give you any more.
Now you ask, "And now I have to be generous?

Yes.

Giving from abundance never captures the heart of God like generosity from sacrifice. This doesn't mean you forgo your electric bill to sponsor a child. It may mean you don't go to Starbucks and buy yourself a coffee maker. It may mean you sacrifice 200 channels of TV (of which you honestly only watch 5 consistently).

Don't get me wrong. I'm not commanding you to give generously. I'm just highly suggesting that you practice intentional generosity if you want to see real maturity in your faith and following of Christ.

I know I could be wrong about all of this, but maybe I'm not either. Maybe if we put into habit these 3 commitments, maybe we'd find ourselves living like we've always dreamed we would - maybe then we would really find true joy.