“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.” (1 Timothy 6:6,7)
Contentment can be a tricky attitude. There are some things in life we are not to be content about. As Christians we are not to be content with the current state of justice and generosity in the world. We must genuinely weep for those who have little and seek to bring justice, peace and food to those in need. It is also wrong for the Christian to be content about the many who are dying without Christ. We must be involved in evangelism. And we know that we must not be content about our relationship with God – we are to hunger and thirst for more and more of God – growing in our faith, stepping out in obedient trust, and yielding ourselves to him moment by moment. There are situations and times where the Christian is not to rest in contentment.
But at the same time there is much in life we are to be content about. We Christians need to realize that if we have God we have everything we need. We are to rest in his strength and not our own. We are to rest in his grace and stop our struggling to win his favor. We are to be content with God – realizing that if we are living in a faith relationship with him – we have everything “we need for a godly life” (2 Peter 1:3). We are to be content with the material blessings that we have and not “put our hope in wealth” (1 Timothy 6:17)
Contentment can be tricky, but it is within our reach. I think it all has to do with our focus. Scripture speaks of those who want to get rich and fall into “many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.” (1 Timothy 6:9) But those who put their hope in God know that he provides “everything for our enjoyment.” (1 Timothy 6:17) It all has to do with our focus.
Do you have contentment? You won’t find it in the world. The world operates on a basis of discontentment. The world tells us again and again we need that which is new and improved – you can’t just use an ordinary kitchen knife anymore you need a slap chopper. You can’t just use an ordinary oven mitt anymore you need the ov-glove.
I remember watching a car show in which the hosts were raving about the BMW 335. They loved that car. But they said, “There is a new kid on the block – the BMW 335 is old news – if I really want a premium car I want the Audie S4.” It was quite a revelation – I always thought I’d be happy with a BMW 335 – but not now. I have to have the new Audie S4.
This is the way our culture is designed, it is a culture of consumerism – you cannot be content and have a culture of consumerism.
There is only one place where you will find contentment and that is in a faith relationship with God. It is only as we trust in him, that we have everything we need to meet the deepest desires of our heart and find contentment.
May you rest your “hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.” Pastor Tom.