SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1137

“Contented”

…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 4:11-13

Contentment is not the same as happiness. Happiness is related to happenstance. It is situational and circumstantial. We cannot always be happy given changing situations but we can be contented regardless of our circumstances. This is the learned response that Paul is speaking about in his letter to the Phillipians.

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

We must note that contentment is not laziness. Being content does not mean that we stop working to better ourselves and our circumstances. Being content is being at rest in Christ, trusting in Him that He will provide for us and see us through whatever circumstances we are in. Being content is experiencing the peace of Christ that surpasses understanding and being free from covetousness and envy.

The seeds of discontent were sown in Adam and Eve and they are in our nature even today. The enemy continues to foster discontentment through the media appealing to the various lusts of our flesh. Satan sows the seeds of discontent in order to make us unfruitful in ministry.

But the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. – Mark 4:19

How can we learn to be content when our very nature is to never be satisfied?

Sheol and Abaddon are never satisfied, and never satisfied are the eyes of man. – Proverbs 27:20

We learn to be content through abiding with Jesus. We cannot be content by our own strength of will.

Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually! Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. – Psalm 105:4 – 2 Corinthians 5:17

Contentment begins with choices: A choice to accept the free gift of salvation through Jesus; A choice to abide in Him; A choice to serve Him in our daily lives seeking first His kingdom and righteousness.

…choose this day whom you will serve … But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.  No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. ... 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.” – Joshua 24:14-15 – Matthew 6:24 – 1 Timothy 6:10 – Hebrews 13:5

May our prayer be as David’s: Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain! Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways. – Psalm 119:36-37