(Photo by Selma Komisky)

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Look For The Bare Necessities
Lessons Learned from Baloo in ‘Jungle Book’

By Mike Komisky

 “Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment. For we bought nothing into this, world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these things will be content.”                                                –

– 1 Timothy 6:6-8

To me, the greatest example of this scripture is in the animated Disney movie “Jungle Book,” There are many reasons why I love this movie. It has animals, adventure, comedy, friendships and a real powerful lesson which I want to talk about in this article. One of my favorite songs in the movie is called “Bare Necessities.” The lyrics talk about living a worry-free.

Some of you may be thinking right now, what does this have to do with my life? With all that I’m going through this year, how can I be carefree? As we all know right now people are asking this question everywhere. Anxiety and uncertainty are everyday parts of people’s lives. Yet in this story there is a fun-loving character called Baloo, who seemed to have joy in the midst of his daily journey of life. How can this be? Let me explain.

When we are introduced to this furry, carefree, spirited bear, we see him dancing along a path singing the song as he and his pal Mowgli enjoy what’s around their environment. Baloo has fun picking organic bananas off the tree and eating delicious gooey honey. Baloo’s joy is contagious as Mowgli watches his mentor singing to the same song. He appears to know his needs will be taken care of. He’s  satisfied with life and is not sweating the big stuff. To me this is a great illustration of something scriptural.

Today in our society, both Christians and non-Christians are full of anxiety wondering how their needs can be met. With many people, their lives and hopes are fractured. Their dreams have been shattered with loss of jobs, diminished health, and COVID-19 lurking everywhere globally. Parents are worried about their children going to school. Elderly people are being separated from their families in nursing homes. Many are crying out, “where can I find hope in a world turned upside down?” Worried, many wonder, how are my needs going to be met?

The answer is Jesus Christ! For those of you who do not know Jesus as you Savior, reach out to him. You can simply pray. Personally, before I became a believer, I depended on myself to satisfy my needs. Let me explain: unfortunately, I found out living and striving to reach the ladder of success was exhausting. Dating relationships never brought real satisfaction. Things of this world apart from Jesus offered only temporary fulfillment. I had to come to Jesus and let him be my dependence.

He knows your worries and can handle your burdens. The Bible is full of examples of God knowing people’s needs and meeting them. Philippians 4:19 says that God will supply all our needs. His promises are true.

To the Christians who may have doubts and  are struggling with your faith, do not give up. I say, wait on the Lord (Psalm 37). In Matthew 6:28 Jesus said, “Come to me all you who are heavy ladened (burdened) and I will give you rest.” Just as Baloo rested in knowing he did not have a worry in the world, I pray that you can also come to that place of contentment. This takes daily surrender to God’s will; this means to trust and follow Jesus. Hand over your stuff that you are not meant to carry. Jesus is more than able to handle your problems.

Stop striving. Yes, circumstances are painful. Why God allows certain situations – I don’t know. But I do believe he will always be with you through them. He loves you!

In conclusion, my question to all of you is, are you content like Baloo with the simple things of life? Every day has opportunities to see Jesus all around us and other people, including our families. Do not let the Enemy, Satan, rob you of your joy. We have a lot to be grateful for such as Gods’ mercy, our health, our family, friends, shelter, etc. God provides daily food and always meets our needs, not our wants. What makes me shout above all else is our salvation and hope. Our Savior has a plan for all of our futures and purposes for all of our lives. Trust him. Rest and surrender your life over to Jesus. You will not regret it. The journey will be worth it. He can turn your sorrow into comfort. Anxiety into peace and fear into security. God is faithful. Slow down and smell the roses. Enjoy seeing Jesus in spite of the circumstances around you. That’s enough to dance about, just like like Baloo.