First it is important to know what contentment is. One dictionary defines contentment
as “the state of being mentally or emotionally satisfied with things as
they are.” Today it is rare that we find anyone who is truly content
with his or her condition in life. The Bible has a great deal to say
about contentment - being satisfied with what we have, who we are, and
where we’re going. Jesus said, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about
your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you
will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more
important than clothes?” (Matthew 6:25).
Essentially, Jesus is telling us to be content with what we have. Moreover, He has given us a direct command not to worry about the things of this world. Then He adds, “For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:32-33). From Jesus’ words, we can conclude that lack of contentment is sin and it puts us in the same category as those who do not know God.
The apostle Paul was a man who suffered and went without many of the comforts of this life - more than most people could imagine. Yet through his suffering he learned the secret of contentment - “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. 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 everything through Him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:12-13) The writer to the Hebrews adds, “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’ So we may boldly say: ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:5-6). Yet people continue to push and grab for more of the things of this world, never contented with their lot in life.
Why is "contentment" depicted in our day as having lot's of money or stuff? We have lost sight of the bigger picture. Contentment is found in the little things and acts of love that only God sees. If we were really living for God - and keeping in mind that this short life is a test - we would have fountains of love coming from us just for the joy of knowing that we are the children of God! This life is like the blink of an eye - it will vanish any moment. We have only a short time to finish the race
And I am guilty of this just as much as anyone! I'm not saying I'm perfect -no one is perfect and we all need work - and God will continue to work on us for our whole lives! :)
“Be content with such things as you have” means as believers such should be our trust and confidence in God that we should be satisfied with our condition regardless of our circumstances. For we know assuredly that if we are faithful God will cause all things to work together for our good (Romans 8:28).
Essentially, Jesus is telling us to be content with what we have. Moreover, He has given us a direct command not to worry about the things of this world. Then He adds, “For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:32-33). From Jesus’ words, we can conclude that lack of contentment is sin and it puts us in the same category as those who do not know God.
The apostle Paul was a man who suffered and went without many of the comforts of this life - more than most people could imagine. Yet through his suffering he learned the secret of contentment - “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. 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 everything through Him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:12-13) The writer to the Hebrews adds, “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’ So we may boldly say: ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:5-6). Yet people continue to push and grab for more of the things of this world, never contented with their lot in life.
Why is "contentment" depicted in our day as having lot's of money or stuff? We have lost sight of the bigger picture. Contentment is found in the little things and acts of love that only God sees. If we were really living for God - and keeping in mind that this short life is a test - we would have fountains of love coming from us just for the joy of knowing that we are the children of God! This life is like the blink of an eye - it will vanish any moment. We have only a short time to finish the race
And I am guilty of this just as much as anyone! I'm not saying I'm perfect -no one is perfect and we all need work - and God will continue to work on us for our whole lives! :)
“Be content with such things as you have” means as believers such should be our trust and confidence in God that we should be satisfied with our condition regardless of our circumstances. For we know assuredly that if we are faithful God will cause all things to work together for our good (Romans 8:28).
What a wonderful reminder! You are so right that this is a command that we all fall short on! In fact, the more we have, it seems like the more we feel we should have. Thanks for sharing these great thoughts!
ReplyDeleteMegan,
ReplyDeleteThis is well thought out and well written. You are amazing!