CONTENTMENT

In my last post I wrote briefly about covetousness.  A lot more could have been said including the idea that contentment is the opposite of covetousness.  A truly contented person has no desire for things that belong to another person.

Contentment doesn't come naturally to us as human beings. As I mentioned in the previous post, we are practically forced to become covetous. It requires determination and a lot of wisdom to resist the temptations.

As I mentioned in the earlier post, God considers covetousness a form of idolatry. It is a much more dangerous sin than we like to think. On the other hand, true contentment comes from a firm faith that God gives us what we need. It leads to a stronger relationship with God and a much happier life here on earth.

Consider what scripture says about contentment.  

But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world.But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. 1 Timothy 6:6-8 (ESV)

It is so easy to think that something or other will be a great gain for us, but Paul says that godliness with contentment is great gain.  Just think if you are a contented godly Christian you are richer than the richest person in the world.  

Soldiers also asked him, “And we, what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Do not extort money from anyone by threats or by false accusation, and be content with your wages.”  
Luke 3:14 (ESV)

The soldiers asked Jesus what they should do.  One of the things he told them was to be content with their wages. That can be difficult for modern people. I suspect it has always been difficult for many.  It seems like many people are always trying to increase their wages even if they have everything they need.

For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:10 (ESV)

Paul says that he is content with a very difficult existence. We know that he struggled with some kind of health issue (he did ask God to take it away, but was content when God said no), he was treated terribly by his fellow countrymen. He was even stoned and left for dead. Yet, he was content for the sake of Christ.  What more than Christ can we ask for?

I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:10-13 (ESV)

Paul tells the Philippians that he appreciates their concern for him. He wants them to know that he is content with whatever happens. His secret? That last verse, "I can do all things through him who strengthens me." 

Being contented does not come easily, especially when our situation is dire, but if we know where our strength comes from, we can do it.

Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5 (ESV)

Stay away from the love of money. In another place we are told that the love of money is the root of every kind of evil.  Living in this world we can see the truth of that.  What evil do you hear of on television or online that doesn't have its roots in the love of money? It is a rare thing.  We are called upon to be content with what we have. Even if we should lose everything in a disaster of some kind, He will never leave us.

Truly, we have an abundance of blessings.  How many of you have to walk a mile to get water?  A dear sister who has now gone to be with her Lord showed me the meaning of contentment many years ago.  Her son was deathly ill and several of us were trying to advise her on caring for him.  I asked her if she had a source of clean water.  She enthusiastically answered that she did and that it was near.  Later my husband, who was familiar with the area, told me that the source of water she was so grateful for was a stream about a mile from her house.  She had to take a large container to that stream and fill it.  Yet, she was very happy to have the water so near. Although this happened more than 20 years ago, I have never forgotten it.  Her contentment was a blessing to me.

When temptations to be covetous or discontented come, remember who is with you and who is providing for you.  Have the faith to be contented.