Godliness With Contentment

As an extension from last week’s lesson “What To Do About Stress,” I would like to tackle an issue that, whether we recognize it or not, is a major contributor to our level of stress.

The issue of contentment.

What exactly is “contentment”?

[Merriam Webster: feeling or showing satisfaction with one’s possessions, status, or situation.]

Being content with what we have is not always easy.

From new clothes to the latest electronics, advertisers bombard us with things we are told we “have to have.”

What does God call it when we see things that we “have to have”?

[Coveting, and this ultimately leads to idolatry]

[Idolatry: the worship of idols; extreme admiration, love, or reverence for something or someone]

When we buy into this thinking, discontentment sets in and before long we find ourselves in the middle of an endless cycle of always wanting more and more [like an addiction].

What Does The Bible Say About Contentment?

Proverbs 15:16

Fearing God is good and brings satisfaction in life.

What does it mean to “fear the Lord”?

The Bible Knowledge Commentary (1:7)

to recognize God’s character and respond by revering, trusting, worshiping, obeying, and serving Him

Proverbs 27:20

Things do not satisfy; we will always want more.

1 Timothy 6:6-8.

Godliness with contentment is very beneficial, for it helps us see that our possessions on earth are only temporary.

What Does The Bible Say Are The Keys To Contentment?

Psalm 73:25-26

Our focus and desires should be on God

Matthew 6:25-33

Our passion should be toward the things of God, and not the material matters of this world.

1 John 2:15–17 (ESV)

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.

And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.

Philippians 4:11-13

Be grateful with what you have and the circumstances you are in by leaning on the strength of Christ.

Reflection

Are you focused more on what you do not have as opposed to what you do have?

Learning to be grateful and taking time to thank God for His blessings can go a long way in helping you become more content.

May each of us not be characterized by pursuing “things,” but by pursuing God and His will for our lives.