Monday: Contentment
“Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content” (Phil. 4:11). If we are to be content in whatever state we are in, where must that contentment ultimately come from?
Image © Lars Justinen from GoodSalt.com
While writing to Timothy, Paul describes an unsavory group of people “who think that godliness is a means to financial gain” (1 Tim. 6:5, NIV). What better description of some of the TV hucksters today could there be than this? They make a lot of money telling listeners that if they are but faithful (and that “faithfulness” includes supporting their ministry), then these listeners will be rich, too? The equating of wealth with faithfulness is just another manifestation of materialism but under the guise of Christianity.
The fact is, godliness has nothing to do with wealth. If so, some of the world’s nastiest people would have to be deemed godly because they are also some of the wealthiest. Instead, Paul countered that “godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Tim. 6:6, NIV). Godliness with contentment in any circumstance is the greatest type of riches because God’s grace is far more valuable than financial gain. Thus, we should be content with “food and clothing” (1 Tim. 6:8, NIV). In the end, no matter how much we have, there will always be more to get if we are inclined to think that way.
“Contentment in every condition is a great art, a spiritual mystery. It is to be learned, and to be learned as a mystery. . . . Christian contentment is that sweet, inward, quiet, gracious frame of spirit, which freely submits to and delights in God’s wise and fatherly disposal in every condition. . . . It is a box of precious ointment, and very comforting and useful for troubled hearts, in troubled times and conditions.” – Jeremiah Burroughs, The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment, pages 1, 3.
Read Romans 8:28, Hebrews 13:5, and Philippians 4:4-13. What can we find here that can help us live contented lives?
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It all starts with our thinking: so think true, noble, just, pure, lovely thoughts; all positive attitudes; be thankful, because God will never leave nor forsake us; for all things will work together for our good because God gives us the strength to handle whatever we may come up against!
We must find peace in God only! Anything else is worthless! God must be the Lord of our lives once and for all! And this is easier because of Jesus!
We must learn to be like the birds that go about singing as they come and go and do their feeding, caring, building, raising their young etc. And all the more so because we are His image and He commands us to be at peace and to rejoice in him in all circumstances and always.
It is the Holy Spirit that gives us that spirit of contentment.The natural man is never contented. When we come to know the Lord He will implant that sweet spirit of contentment within us.
Sometimes our thoughts can get human beings in trouble. We sometime just come to conclusions that are not factual. We have to learn to have peace in our lives. And we have to learn to be thankful for what we have. We can't afford what we see the Jones with.
Philippians 4:1-11
verses 6-7 what does this text mean?
“For I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content (Phil 4:11).”
There is a lesson we need to learn here. Because always, the state that we are in might not be the most pleasant state to be in. Paul was in prison when he wrote this, he was chained twenty-four hours a day under different Roman guard, as they would make their changes. And yet, he was contented. Paul says that "For I have learned whatever state I am in to be content."
We are seeing that the strength of Jesus in Paul’s life was evident in his ability to be content when he was indeed suffering.
When we look at John 15:5;"for without Me you can do nothing. With Jesus we can do all things, without Him we can’t do anything.This precious statement of faith must be put in connection". That is when we shall remain contented all the time in our Christian walk-
Amen brethren thank you for the context
Being content I always think of the rich and famous. It's start with the small bowl of candy or the simple TV show.
Without God it is impossible for us to be content in anything.
"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." Matt 6:33
There is no better path to finding contentment with God's will and working in our lives than is found in acknowledging Him in everything(Pr 3:7, Eph 5:17, etc).