Learning Contentment

In Philippians 4:12, it is written, "I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need." Also in 1 Timothy 6:6-7, we are reminded, "v6) But godliness with contentment is great gain. v7) For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out." 

Be Content!

What happens when we are not satisfied with what God has provided? When we are constantly seeking the better things, the bigger things and those things which go way beyond the intention to serve a purpose or a need. The apostle Paul discovered the secret to living within one's means: contentment. The key word in his description of contentment is "learned" because being content is not something we do naturally. Contentment is learned. Sometimes it takes a hard knock experience to learn this valuable lesson. I, by my nature, am naturally discontent.  And so are you. While there are many people who justify all of their worldly possessions, not ALL of those possessions are given to us by the good Lord above! No matter how one wants to justify it, the majority of debt is accumulated through selfish desires, keeping up with others, and through choices, NOT guidance, NOT need and definitely not on acceptance! So God chooses to use finances as the RAW acid test of how much you trust Him. And how much He can trust US with what He GIVES to us to manage here on this earth!

He wants us to come to Him and ask when we have a need and learn to be content with what we RECEIVE from Him ...but what exactly is contentment? Contentment means that my happiness is not dependent upon CIRCUMSTANCES. By definition it means, 1) the quality or state of being contented 2) the state of being happy and satisfied 3) assenting to or willing to accept circumstances, a proposed course of action, etc and 4) peace of mind; mental or emotional satisfaction, to make (oneself or another person) content or satisfied: to content oneself with property.

Most people get caught up in the "when" thinking, "When I get such and such, then I'll be happy."  "When I get to a certain level economically... When I get a certain job ... When I can retire ... then I'll be happy. When I get the house paid off... When I get the bills paid off... then!" Well it's not a "when" kind of a world nor is it scripturally sound! If all of those "if's and when's" were met, then it's only a matter of time before we want more....that is, if we aren't content with what we DO have! I might remind you at this point in the article, that every single thing we have belongs to God! He owns the world and everything IN it so to be presumptuous that it was something WE did to obtain it, is seriously in error. The material things can be taken away just as quickly as they have been received and if we are materialistic, then that loss would be much greater. However, if we are content and happy in spite OF our circumstances, knowing the Lord gives us what we need, then we are much better off emotionally and spiritually.

How do you learn to be content?  Stop comparing your possessions to the possessions of others! We're constantly comparing ourselves and our possessions to others, and comparing ALWAYS causes discontent. It's because of discontent God says, "You can't handle what I want to give you because you're putting too much priority on the THINGS in your life." Can God trust you with wealth?  Have you learned to be content? Can God trust you with more money or will you squander it on yet more materialistic possessions? God WANTS to give you more, but if He can't trust that you will do with it what is NEEDED and what His will is for it, and that we aren't content, then more acid testing will need to be done. If you're always wanting MORE, then it's a sure sign you aren't content with what you have right in front of you. Not all people are going to be wealthy financially, but I've sure met some billionaires SPIRITUALLY and to me and the Kingdom of our Lord and Savior, it's WAY more important. There's a true happiness and joy to those who are honestly, truthfully and emotionally content! It shows! Their smiles are genuine. Their laughs are contagious. Their walk is strong and built on a firm foundation of Faith! You'll know who is content by the way they shine! If you never learn contentment, you will NEVER be happy!

I'm not sure why but God has chosen money to be the acid test of our faith. We spend our entire lives trying to make it, earn it, save it, spend it, and use it. So God chooses to use finances as the acid test of how much you trust Him. He wants us to come to him and ask when we have a need and learn to be content when that need is fulfilled, that our happiness isn't dependent on how much or how little we've got. Contentment, though, isn't just hinged to acquiring the material things. Paul understood contentment as the essential ingredient for our endurance in trials and joy in life. I will emphasize the word ESSENTIAL as it is meant for sustenance! I know, and have known, many who want the newest technology when what they currently possess is working fine and serving it's purpose. I've seen people live way beyond their means because it's the popular thing to do and in the end, go into much debt barely staying afloat. Still there are others who begin at a very young age to teach their children and grandchildren the power of owning "stuff." Giving too much too soon without teaching responsibilities, without teaching the consequences of squandering money and definitely without thought of enabling selfishness, self centeredness and being misdirected.

Paul said, in 1Timothy 6:8, “And if we have food and covering, with these we shall be content” If our basic needs are met, we should be satisfied, content. This was part of Jesus’ teaching from the Sermon on the Mount; that we are NOT to long for the IMMEDIATE but are to look to the ETERNAL. Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount makes it clear if God feeds the birds and we are worth so much more, we should not stress over His provision for us. Yet there are the popular teachers of prosperity that try to influence the church by telling it not to be satisfied with what we have, that it isn't enough, and telling us there is always more to gain. But beware of wolves in sheep's clothing because this false teaching will drive you right down the path of unrighteousness and error......While they are presenting this as a teaching of faith, it is NOT faith to get more, but actually a LACK of faith, making people covet and strive; not to be satisfied and content with what God has already given. The definition of faith means to trust, to be patient, and to be satisfied with the answer that you receive. We need to wait on the promises of God and be content with what we have right now. What we have is what God meant for us to have or we'd have more in His will. By having this attitude the peace of God is brought into our lives.

Contrary to what some are being told that God will give you whatever you pray for in faith, the Wisdom in Prov. 14:14 states “The backslider in heart will be filled with his own ways, But a good man will be satisfied from above.” Letting God be the Lord over your life will bring that perfect contentment. It's only through surrendering and allowing God to be the Lord over your life that this will be accomplished. The pursuit of ones own desires, what you THINK is best in your life can essentially remove His blessings that He has for you. Once you take the keys and start driving the car wherever you want it to go, then sometimes you can drive it off the path and far away from what He is trying to do in your life! Heb. 13:5 “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” The enemy of contentment is coveting; it destroys our patience and faith. Contentment becomes a spiritual principle to live by so we can have joy no matter what happens in our lives. This is SO important in our lives because there is such a freedom in knowing that what He gives to us is HIS will, in HIS time and for HIS purpose, and to be joyful, happy and content no matter what the circumstances are, is such a testimony to others who are watching us! We need to know our own hearts anxiousness and protect ourselves from what would remove us from being content; that's usually not being patient. And patience is a virtue.

Rev. 1:9 “I, John, both your brother and companion in the tribulation and kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ.” six times in the book of Revelation, patience is mentioned as part of the commendation to the church and the necessity for our perseverance. Rev. 14:12 “Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.” To have patience in all of our trials and throughout the wilderness, no matter how long we may be experiencing it, makes one totally satisfied with what they have, showing they are not striving to gain anything, but to rather, stay focused on Christ.

Lets take a look at a Scripture that is often ripped from it context to justify getting whatever one wants, and that's found in  Philippians 4:11-13, “Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” In context what Paul is explaining is that he can't look at a bad situation and be overcome by it. He's NOT saying that he can GET ALL things through Christ, but is showing how he learned to be satisfied in whatever state he was in by Christ’s stamina working in him. We need the grace of God to be able to be in the attitude of contentment. AMEN! It took me years to get this right! Learning to be content with what I have, and what is given to me, was a road I'm glad I traveled because the lessons were amazing! It not only gave me a totally different perspective, but it also gave me a freedom from being chained to THINGS. I know from experience, that it can be taken away just as easy so if you aren't tied or bound by the material things of this life, you are free to fully experience the joy, happiness and true contentment of His provisions and promises!

The church has “every spiritual blessing,” If one looks up the word blessing, the Biblical concept teaches something quite different than what is taught today as material abundance. Ephesians 1:3: “Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ.” Galatians 3:14: “that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.” That is the Gospel of salvation, this is the blessing of Abraham that has come to all people. Romans 15:29: “But I know that when I come to you, I shall come in the fullness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.” Abraham’s reward was God Himself, not the things he was given to prepare a nation.What if we lost everything tomorrow, would we be able to cope? And HOW would we cope? Would we blame God, or say we didn't have enough faith and that's why this happened. True contentment is what Paul explained as we read this whole Scripture in context “I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” He certainly must have had this in mind when he penned 2 Cor. 4:8-9 “We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed...”

Hebrews 13:5, "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with such things as you have, because God has said—Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." Contentment is one of the rarest graces. Like all precious things, it is also the most uncommon. Before they fell, the fallen angels had Heaven itself to dwell in, and the immediate presence and favor of God! But they were not content. Adam and Eve had the garden of Eden to live in, with a free grant of everything in it, except for one tree, but they were not content. Ahab had his throne and kingdom, but so long as Naboth's vineyard was not his, he was not content. Haman was the chief favorite of the Persian king, but so long as Mordecai sat at the gate, he was not content. It's just the same way everywhere in the present day. There are murmurings, dissatisfaction, discontent with what we have, meeting us at every turn, confronting us at every corner. To say, with Jacob, "I have enough," seems flatly contrary to the grain of our own human nature. But to say, "I want more," seems the mother tongue of every child of Adam. Our little ones, our innocent children, all around our family hearths are daily illustrations and reminders of this truth of what I am saying. They learn to ask for "more" much sooner than they learn to be satisfied! They are far more ready to cry for what they want, than to say "thank you" when they have got it and be satisfied!

The power of Paul's direction ought to come to all of our consciences: "Be content," he says, "with such things as you have," not with such things as you once used to have, not with such things as you hope to have, but with such things as you have now. With such things, whatever they may be, we are to be content, with such as a dwelling, such as a position, such as health, such as income, such as work, in spite of such circumstances as we have, we are to be content. A spirit of this kind is the secret of a light heart and an easy mind. Few, I am afraid, have the least idea what a shortcut to happiness it is to be content! To be content is to be independent. He is the independent man who hangs on no created things for comfort, and has God for his portion.

Let us examine the ground on which Paul builds his precept. That ground is one single text of Scripture. It is striking to observe what a small foundation the apostle seems to lay down, when he bids us to be content. He holds out no promise of earthly good things and temporal rewards. He simply quotes a verse of God's Word. The Master has spoken. "He has said." It is striking to observe that the text he quotes was not originally addressed to the Hebrew Christians, but to Joshua; and yet Paul applies it to them. This shows us that the Bible promises are the common property of ALL Christ believers! All have a right and title to them. All believers make up one body; and in hundreds of cases that which was spoken to one, may be fairly used by all. We need to make the texts and promises of the Bible our refuge in time of trouble, and the fountain of our soul's comfort. It's free instruction. It's free promises. It's free resources and ALL of it has been spoke to us in the Bible! It's for us to use, for comfort, instruction, reproof. TRUTH! When Paul wanted to enforce a grace and recommend a duty—he quoted a text. When you and I would give a reason for our hope, or when we feel that we need strength and consolation, we must go to our Bibles, and try to find out suitable texts. The true Christian must always use his Bible in a like manner. The Bible must be our book of reference and precedents. The Bible must be our captain's orders. If any one asks us why we think as we do, live as we do, feel as we do, all we have to reply with is, "God has spoken. I have my orders, my instruction and that is enough." The Bible applied to the heart by the Holy Spirit, is the only treasury of consolation. Without it we have nothing to depend on; "our feet will slide in due time" (Deut. 32:35). With it we are like those who stand on a rock. That man is ready for anything, the one who has a firm hold of God's promises.

There is a particular text Paul quotes in enforcing the duty of contentment. He tells the Hebrews, "God has said—I will never leave you, nor forsake you." It matters little to what person in the Trinity we ascribe these words, whether to Father, Son, or Holy Spirit. They all are engaged to save man in the covenant of grace. Each of the three Persons says, as the other two, "I will never leave you, nor forsake you." There is great sweetness in this particular promise. It deserves close attention. God says to every man or woman, who is willing to commit his or her soul to the mercy that is in Christ, "I will never leave you, and never forsake you." I, the eternal Father, the mighty God, the King of kings, "will never leave you." The English language fails to give the full meaning of the Greek. It implies, "never—no never—no, nor ever leave you!" Seems so much more intense, eternal and loving! Now, if I know anything of this world, it is a world of "leaving, forsaking, parting, separation, failure, and disappointment." Think how immense the comfort of finding something which will never leave nor fail us! Earthly good things leave us. Health, money, property, friendship, all make themselves wings and flee away. They are here today, and gone tomorrow. But God says, "I will never leave you!" Separation is the universal law everywhere—except between Christ and His people. Death and failure stamp every other living thing; but there is NO separation in the love of God to believers.

Stick to that word "never." It is worth its weight in gold. Cling to it as a drowning man clings to a rope. Grasp it firmly, as a soldier attacked on all sides grasps his sword. God has said, and will stand to it, "I will never leave you!" "Never!" Though your heart often faints, and you are sick of self, and your many failures and infirmities; even then the promise will not fail. "Never!" Though the devil whispers, 'I shall have you at last! In little while, your faith will fail, and you will be mine!' Even then, God will keep his Word. "Never!" Though waves of trouble go over your head, and all hope seems taken away. Even then the Word of God will stand. So then why is there so little contentment in the world? The simple answer is, because there is so little grace, and true religion and Faith. Few know their own sin; few feel their desert; and so few are content with such things as they have. Humility, self-knowledge, a clear sight of our own utter vileness and corruption, these are the true roots of contentment. You must know your own heart, seek God for your portion, receive Christ for your Savior, and use God's Word for your daily food. Contentment is not to be learned at the feet of Gamaliel, but at the feet of Jesus Christ! He who has God for his friend and heaven for his home can wait for his good things, and be content with little here below.

Satan hates Christians just as much as he hated Adam and Eve, because we are indwelt by the Spirit of God. Thus Satan's strategy with Christians is much the same as it was with Adam and Eve: to entice us to rebel against God just like he did, seeking self-sufficiency, independence, power, control, and recognition; so that we do not experience the power, joy and CONTENTMENT that is ours in Christ. Satan is a liar and deceiver. He has no power over Christians, because Christ indwells us, but he tries to deceive us into seeking joy, contentment, and fulfillment from the world around us instead of from God. The world is the primary tool used by Satan to deceive Christians. The Bible indicates that, although God sovereignly rules over all, Satan has a temporary lease on the world--the world is his domain!

Satan longs to see Christians rebel against God by loving the world instead of Him. He accused Job of being content only because God had given him so much in the world and claimed Job would reject God if the blessings of the world were taken away. Satan even tempted Jesus with his world: Mat 4:8,9, v8) Again, the devil took Him to a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory; v9) and he said to Him, "All these things I will give You, if You fall down and worship me." Also in Luke 4:6, "And the devil said to Him, "I will give You all this domain and its glory; for it has been handed over to me, and I give it to whomever I wish." Old Testament warnings to the nation of Israel about idolatry are similar to New Testament warnings to Christians about loving the world, loving money, and seeking praise from other people. God chose the nation of Israel as His special people. God wanted to reveal His glory--His power, goodness, faithfulness, kindness, love--to all peoples through the nation of Israel. But most of the time, the leadership and people of Israel rejected the blessing of God. Instead of submitting to God, letting Him take care of them and be glorified through them, they wanted to be like the other nations, worshipping idols instead of, or along with, the one and only God. They wanted to be independent of God, with their earthly king in control. They were deceived into rebelling against God and living on their own, instead of acknowledging their dependence on God and basking in His blessings.

The reason that some Christians are discontent most of the time, and most Christians discontent some of the time, is that we seek "life" from the world instead of from Christ. God paid a dear price to bless us "with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ." We have been filled with "God's glory" that is, the very life of Christ through the Holy Spirit: 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14, "v13) God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth. v14) It was for this He called you through our gospel, that you may gain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ." Day by day, minute by minute, many Christians have no more joy and contentment than unbelievers, because we seek it from the same source: our circumstances (the world). If we seek life from the world instead of from Christ, we will "rejoice" only when things are going well, have "peace" (false peace) only when immediate struggles are gone, and give thanks only when God provides the things that we think we need--money, food, good health, etc. No wonder unbelievers are confused by Christians. We speak of peace and joy in knowing Jesus but they see us restless, frustrated and discontent. They hear us grumble and complain. And they watch us claw after the things of the world with as much energy as they. So what should you do? You probably agree that true contentment can come only from Christ, and sincerely want to be content. Should you simply try harder to be content with your present circumstances? No. Trying real hard to be content won't work, no matter how much you grit your teeth, squint your eyes, or clench your fists.

Stand firm in your belief that it is indeed God's will for you to be content and filled with His joy as evidenced in the following Scriptures:
1) Psalms 34:9, "O fear the LORD, you His saints; For to those who fear Him there is no want."
2) John 15:11, "These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full."
3) John 14:27, "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful."
4) 1 Tim 6:6-8, "But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment. 7 For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. 8 If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content."
5) Heb 13:5, " Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, "I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU," (emphasis mine)
6) John 17:13, "But now I come to You; and these things I speak in the world so that they may have My joy made full in themselves."
7) Rom 14:17, "for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit."

God would not command us to be content, rejoice always, give thanks in everything, and let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts if doing so were impossible. Believe that God will enable us to live in His will by the power of Christ in us. Jesus not only provides the joy and contentment, He gives us the power to experience it. Paul made it clear that the secret to being content in ALL circumstances is to trust Christ who strengthens us: Phil 4:11-13, "Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. v12) I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. v13) I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." While Jesus was on earth, His joy was in communing with the Father, continually in His presence. He never became ruffled by difficulties or criticism. Whether receiving praise or persecution, His joy was constant and unwavering, because it was rooted in His fellowship with the Father! This is what we should model our contentment and joyous life after! Jesus' perfect instruction and example as He! Jesus said that He wants us to experience the same joy in communing with the Father that He experienced while on earth. John 15:9-11, "v9) Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love. v10) "If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love. v11) "These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full." 

We can experience the same joy that Jesus had while He was on earth, communing with the Father just as He did. Joy comes from being in the presence of the Father continually, which is possible through Christ. The only requirement is to choose to believe it. It is easier to believe, in general, that joy comes from knowing Jesus, than it is to believe it moment by moment. In the thick of a day’s difficulties, we are unconsciously deceived into believing that we can't have joy, peace, and inner rest until the bills are paid, a relationship is fixed, a project is finished, or our direction is settled. Be aware that the crafty, deceptive Satan won't try to get you to renounce your faith in Christ; he knows you would not do it. Satan only wants to capture you at the very moment--to lure you into worry, fear, or want with respect to the present circumstances. He works minute by minute. Don't attempt to gain control of your life by concerning yourself over whether you'll have joy and contentment tomorrow, next week, or next year. Just trust God for the moment. Choose to abide in Christ now. Take God at His word. Believe that you can have joy in His presence. Believe it especially when joy seems out of reach. Don’t wait until you feel the joy. Just choose to believe it. Say that you believe it. Thank God for it. God will do the rest.

Jesus made it clear that the inner peace He gives is not the same "peace" that comes from good circumstances in the world. The primary difference is that the world's peace is dependent upon the elimination of problems and difficulties, but the peace given by Jesus endures tribulation and stays constant in the midst of all circumstances, everyday, every moment, because the peace comes from Him, it's His peace--thus subject to nothing. God cares about our problems, but He wants us to experience the joy of His presence now, whenever now is, instead of being tricked into slavery to the problems of the moment. There will be problems; Jesus said so. But, indeed, He has overcome the world, and we, in Him, are overcomers with Him! Praise be to the One and Only God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit!

Jerry Bridges said, "To be content with one's possessions is one of the most strongly worded exhortations in Scripture."



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