Can’t Touch Contentment
In Times of Need and Plenty
Stanley Kirk Burrell may not be a household name, but if you lived through the 1990s, you almost certainly remember his influence. Under the stage name MC Hammer, he released one smash hit after another, including “U Can’t Touch This,” “Pray,” and “2 Legit 2 Quit.” His image was virtually everywhere, from sold-out arenas to TV commercials and Saturday morning cartoons.
As the music industry changed, however, Hammer’s fame and influence began to fade, and the funds in his bank account dwindled. Turns out the man with larger-than-life charisma and dance moves had an even bigger heart. He gave almost everything he owned away to help his community.
Today, at age 63, Stanley lives a quiet life as a businessman and an ordained minister in California, quipping that MC now stands for “Man of Christ.” Rather than dwelling in self-pity, bitterness, or revenge against those who mocked him, he spends his energy sharing the hope and peace he has found through Christ alone.
“There are no awards, performances, cars or houses I’ve had that have given me this feeling,” he’s said about sharing the Gospel. “All of my blessings have come from Jesus. God is a daily presence in my life.”
“I Can Do All This”
The Apostle Paul also understood the fragile line that exists between power and poverty. As a young, highly educated man, he, too, was once a rising star who carried the credentials and swagger to command an audience’s attention.
Then a single encounter with Jesus changed everything, and He viewed every accomplishment before that moment as “rubbish.” (Philippians 3:8) Subsequently, he traded position and prosperity for pain, persecution and prison.
“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty,” Paul wrote from his prison cell to the church in Philippi. “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:12-13)
The Greatest Treasure
Ask MC Hammer or the Apostle Paul, and they’ll both say the same thing from experience:
Fame, fortune and prestige are fleeting.
Jesus is so much better.
When we trust the Giver of all things with our lives and our resources, we’ll experience greater peace and security than anything this world could possibly offer.
We’ll find hope, joy and purpose to hold us steady through the ups and downs.
That’s a valuable treasure that money can never buy.
Jesus gives contentment that no one can touch or take away.
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This content is written as part of Generosity Today (2026, Issue 3).
