STRATFORD CHURCH OF CHRIST COLUMN
The idea of being content in this life is a foreign concept to many in our society.
People are seen having a real struggle with some situations in this life. Being discontented with elections, their own financial status, or their number of possessions will frequently find people robbed of their peace and contentment.
It will be difficult to develop contentment in my life while I concentrate on my problems. To dwell on every struggle or dissatisfaction I face in this world, will cause joy, peace and contentment to flee from me. This, unfortunately, is too often the picture of many people’s lives. What can be done to help us learn contentment? Can a person really develop contentment in the midst of life’s struggles and changing events?
The apostle Paul wrote to the church at Philippi as he was imprisoned at Rome. He said, “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 Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:11-13).
Obviously, Paul is showing his readers that reliance on the Lord for help and strength is an essential part of faith. It is important to remember that whether your stresses are light or heavy, or if you are free or imprisoned because of your faith in Christ, contentment can still be yours.
When Paul and Silas first went to Philippi (Acts 16), the Bible says they were beaten with many stripes, cast into the inner prison and their feet were fastened in stocks (verses 23, 24).
Even under these harsh circumstances, verse 25 says, “But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.” Paul had learned that with the help of Christ, he could maintain his contentment even in the most difficult situations.
1 Timothy 6:6-8 says, “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.” Being content with what you have is an important attitude to have. We read in Hebrews 13:5, “Be content with such things as you have.” It has often been repeated, “The poorest man in the world is the man who has more than he needs but feels like it isn’t enough.”
We should avoid a misplaced emphasis on the material things of this world. From these Bible verses, we learn that the spiritual attribute of godliness should be the emphasis of our lives. Material things are temporary, while the spiritual characteristic of godliness is eternal. Our trust and confidence should always be in the Lord.
One of the great ways to build contentment into our lives is by counting our blessings. We even sing about counting our blessings. “Count your blessings, name them one by one; it will surprise you what the Lord hath done,” says the song. Rather than concentrating on our problems and the things we do not have, consider what you do have (food, clothing, shelter, family, friends, freedom, a job, and if you obey Christ [Acts 2:38] forgiveness). This will help us to remember to give thanks to God (Ephesians 5:20).
Contentment is also developed when we learn that happiness is not centered on “things.”
Ecclesiastes 5:10 states, “He who loves silver will not be satisfied with silver; nor he who loves abundance, with increase.” Jesus said, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses” (Luke 12:15).
The struggles that come with being discontented are usually found in those who overemphasize possessions or positions in this life.
Instead of suffering from discontentment, we are taught to give emphasis to God in our lives. Jesus said, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:33).
Therefore, learning to be content is a choice you must make for your life.
Problematic, unhappy attitudes grow in those who see no reason to seek contentment. Since peace and joy are often found in those who are content, what will you choose for your life?
