Contentment is a Choice

Chuckle: "So, if your house is a mess and there's no one there to see it, is it still messy?"

Quote: "Contentment is natural wealth, luxury is artificial poverty." --Socrates

CHOOSE TO BE CONTENT

"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" (I Timothy 6:6-8 NIV).

In Philippians 4:11, Paul tells us that, over time, he had learned to be content. Have we? Or do we show evidence of our discontent? Some believe that changing their circumstances or the acquisition of material things will bring them contentment. But trying to obtain contentment from possessions is like trying to carry water in a sieve -- it just "doesn't hold water." Potential reactions to life's difficult circumstances include bitterness, depression, selfishness, and finally, contentment. Which reaction is most prevalent in your life?

Contentment comes from trusting God's sufficiency, rather than our own. The scripture speaks of many things which rob us of contentment and tells us what our response should be. Luke 3:14 NIV: ". . .be content with your pay (wages)." I Timothy 6:8 NIV: "But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that." Hebrews 13:5 NIV: "Be content with such things as you have..." Without Christ, the inward source of contentment, you will never find it in people, places, or things. God was Paul's source of contentment everywhere and in all things. How was this possible?

He accepted and was content in all circumstances. ". . . whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want" (Philippians 4:12 NIV). I read somewhere that we should never pull tomorrow's clouds over today's sunshine. Never cross a bridge until you come to it. Always take life one day at a time. Today is all you have. We must get over our past failures, those who have failed us, and unpleasant circumstances. Receive God's forgiveness and joyfully share His love with others.

Paul knew God would provide him strength to do all God wanted him to do. "I can do everything through him who gives me strength" (Philippians 4:13 NIV). Literally, Paul says, "I can do all things God asks me to do with the help of Christ who gives me the strength." This attitude is based on the foundation of our Christian faith -- the all-sufficient Christ.

Paul was satisfied with his provisions. "I am amply supplied" (Philippians 4:18 NIV), and this is assured by the fact that "My God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:19 NIV). He did not require more than God had given him to be content. How content are you? Are you at peace with yourself, with others, and with your Lord?

Love, Jerry & Dotse