A Closer Look at Contentment
May 5, 2022
What does the word “contentment” mean? One simple definition is “a state of happiness and satisfaction.” Strong’s dictionary defines the word “content” this way “be enough, suffice, be sufficient.” (g0714) In the New King James translation the word “content” is found ten times. The Christian is encouraged several times to be satisfied with the things you have, and be content (Lk 3:14; Phil 4:11; 1 Tim 6:8; Heb 13:5).
Why is there a struggle for so many, Christians, and non-Christians, to be content? There are a few things to consider when trying to understand contentment.
First, we live in a world of upgrades. Our world is full of devices, vehicles, homes, and many other things that are constantly being updated, upgraded, & improved upon. There is pressure to keep up. However, does a person find contentment from these “improvements? If so, does it last?
Second, there is the old saying “keeping up with the Jones’”. This means we try to have the same things that others have or better. This is a never-ending cycle. Why? There is always another person who “has better”.
Third, the projected image. Several movies have been made that portray this very idea. A person or a couple who want to project the image of wealth and prestige when in reality they are unable to maintain such a lifestyle. However, the image is so important they sacrifice greatly to project this image.
The Bible however addresses these problems with the simple words of Christ.
“And He said to them, "Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses." Luke 12:15
One’s life can be wasted by pursuits that have no lasting value. We would do well to remember the words of the Apostle Paul.
“Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:” Philippians 4:11
The Apostle Paul encourages us to find contentment, that is happiness and fulfillment in the things we have, not the pursuit of that which we do not.
“Now 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 clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” 1 Timothy 6:6-10
Contentment, finding all that we really need in this life, is found in Christ. Contentment is found in godly living. This is what man truly needs to focus on. Let us find contentment by faithfully following God and His Word not the pursuit of things that cannot help our eternal soul.
“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man's all.” Ecclesiastes 12:13
- Russ
May 5, 2022
What does the word “contentment” mean? One simple definition is “a state of happiness and satisfaction.” Strong’s dictionary defines the word “content” this way “be enough, suffice, be sufficient.” (g0714) In the New King James translation the word “content” is found ten times. The Christian is encouraged several times to be satisfied with the things you have, and be content (Lk 3:14; Phil 4:11; 1 Tim 6:8; Heb 13:5).
Why is there a struggle for so many, Christians, and non-Christians, to be content? There are a few things to consider when trying to understand contentment.
First, we live in a world of upgrades. Our world is full of devices, vehicles, homes, and many other things that are constantly being updated, upgraded, & improved upon. There is pressure to keep up. However, does a person find contentment from these “improvements? If so, does it last?
Second, there is the old saying “keeping up with the Jones’”. This means we try to have the same things that others have or better. This is a never-ending cycle. Why? There is always another person who “has better”.
Third, the projected image. Several movies have been made that portray this very idea. A person or a couple who want to project the image of wealth and prestige when in reality they are unable to maintain such a lifestyle. However, the image is so important they sacrifice greatly to project this image.
The Bible however addresses these problems with the simple words of Christ.
“And He said to them, "Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses." Luke 12:15
One’s life can be wasted by pursuits that have no lasting value. We would do well to remember the words of the Apostle Paul.
“Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:” Philippians 4:11
The Apostle Paul encourages us to find contentment, that is happiness and fulfillment in the things we have, not the pursuit of that which we do not.
“Now 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 clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” 1 Timothy 6:6-10
Contentment, finding all that we really need in this life, is found in Christ. Contentment is found in godly living. This is what man truly needs to focus on. Let us find contentment by faithfully following God and His Word not the pursuit of things that cannot help our eternal soul.
“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man's all.” Ecclesiastes 12:13
- Russ