“And seekest thou great things for thyself? seek them not: for, behold, I will bring evil upon all flesh, saith the Lord: but thy life will I give unto thee for a prey in all places whither thou goest.” — Jeremiah 45:5
“Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” — Hebrews 13:5
In Jeremiah’s day, Baruch, the faithful scribe, grew weary. He had served beside Jeremiah through rejection, persecution, and despair. When he longed for “great things” — recognition, success, or comfort — God gently corrected him: “Seek them not.” The Lord reminded him that survival and His presence were far greater treasures than worldly promotion.
Similarly, in Hebrews 13:5, God calls believers to contentment. The promise, “I will never leave thee,” outweighs any earthly ambition. When the storms of life threaten our peace, it is enough to know the Lord Himself abides with us. The true reward is His presence, not position; His favor, not fame.
Think of Moses, who “refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter” (Hebrews 11:24). He could have sought “great things” in Egypt, but instead chose to suffer affliction with the people of God. His reward was far greater — he spoke face to face with God and saw His glory.
Consider John the Baptist, who said, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30). John’s ministry was short, his fame faded, yet Jesus called him “the greatest born among women.” John found joy not in position, but in faithfully preparing the way for Christ.
When you feel overlooked or undervalued, remember: God never measures greatness by gain but by grace. The world says, “Get more.” God says, “Be content.” Your life, like Baruch’s, is precious in His sight — and His presence is your greatest possession. Don’t seek great things — seek the Great One. The Lord Jesus Christ.