In our world today, “success” and “contentment” are defined by how much stuff you have accumulated or acquired. In fact, we have become so focused on our “success” and “contentment” that our homes can no longer hold all our stuff. If you survey our area you will find that storage facilities have become about as prolific as banks and gas stations. The reason we are not content with what we have is because we are driven by our “wants” and “desires”. And until we fulfill our quest for that which we don’t have, we wallow in a state of “discontentment”. And oh what a tragedy it will be if we should ever have a setback or lose some of our stuff!
Sadly, many Christians have succumbed to the state of “discontentment”. The apostle Paul wrote in Philippians 4:11-12,
“Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.”
He also wrote in 1 Timothy 6:6-8,
“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.”
Christian “contentment” is the result of believing and trusting that God does all things well. It is a state of mind and attitude of the Christian who is resting in Christ that enables one to bear misfortune and hardship with dignity without complaining. Likewise, the Christian can bear riches and honor with humility instead of arrogance. Christian contentment is realizing the essence of Romans 8:28,
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
In Philippians 4:13 the apostle Paul also stated,
“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
We must understand that the source of true contentment rests only in Christ – and in our oneness with Him. Without Him we can do nothing; in Him we can do all things. His strength is made perfect in our weakness. Discouragements and failures will come our way, but they should never lead to discontentment. When an adversity happens, you must move closer to the Lord and let Him carry you through it. Remember that everything the Lord does is for our good. If you will recall the life of the apostle Paul, he could have very easily become discontented in the Lord due to all of the adversities that he faced. Consider the following example from 2 Corinthians 12:7-10,
“And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.”
Yet, through all his adversities he stated in Philippians 3:13-14,
“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”
This is true “contentment”!
Finally, we must ask ourselves, “Are we content in the Lord and with His provisions for our needs? Or, are we pursing the contentment sought after by this world?” Let us remember that with Christ leading your life you will have contentment – not the contentment sought after by this world – but a contentment realized through a relationship with Christ. If you are truly a child of God, seek contentment in the Lord as stated in Luke 10:20b,
“…, because your names are written in heaven.”
