In a culture that is becoming more and more self-centered , we are fighting an uphill battle in our minds of how to truly be content. Whether it be the season, situation, or even this very second, we are constantly being bombarded with the next best thing. Here are a few key points that can help us to become more content.
1. Defeat the desire of necessity
Contentment is something that is biblically prescribed. Specifically, in Hebrews 13:5 it is given as the antidote to the root of all evil, greed. With this in mind, the questions that should follow are what exactly is contentment and how is it put into action? Paul answers both of these questions in his letters to the Christians of Philippi in Philippians 4:11-12. He first states that he doesn't speak from the desire of want because he has learned to be content in every state he is in. The simplest definition of contentment is selflessly wanting nothing. He continues by explaining that this doesn't mean that he will not feel the urgency of hunger or the pain of suffering, but instead that he has learned that "all things work together for good to them that love God" (Romans 8:28). Being content requires that you lay down the urgency and pain of your physical flesh for the betterment of your spiritual relationship with God.
2. Content versus Complacent
Being content is different than being complacent. Contentment, as we already mentioned, is wanting nothing that God doesn't want for us. A simple definition for complacency would be selfishly wanting nothing. So where contentment is wanting nothing of the physical (by fasting, sacrificial giving, or prayer) for the benefit of the spiritual, complacency is wanting nothing of the spiritual for the benefit of the physical body. Complacency in everyday life could be skipping your Bible reading because of a "lack of time" or cutting your prayer time short to make room for more time online. What we must remember is being content is literally next to godliness (1 Timothy 6:6-7) and complacency simply is not (Hebrews 13:16).
3. Contentment comes by faith
We know that it is impossible to please God without faith, but it is also impossible to be content in God without faith. Contentment is a product of unwavering belief that God has everything under control. Therefore, when Paul stated "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me" in Philippians 4:13, it was not only a proclamation of faith but also proof of his contentment through Christ. Being content in your situation is not a statement of surrender to your situation. It is a statement of surrender to your Savior.
Let's strive to be more content not complacent!
Coburn Hoffman
1. Defeat the desire of necessity
Contentment is something that is biblically prescribed. Specifically, in Hebrews 13:5 it is given as the antidote to the root of all evil, greed. With this in mind, the questions that should follow are what exactly is contentment and how is it put into action? Paul answers both of these questions in his letters to the Christians of Philippi in Philippians 4:11-12. He first states that he doesn't speak from the desire of want because he has learned to be content in every state he is in. The simplest definition of contentment is selflessly wanting nothing. He continues by explaining that this doesn't mean that he will not feel the urgency of hunger or the pain of suffering, but instead that he has learned that "all things work together for good to them that love God" (Romans 8:28). Being content requires that you lay down the urgency and pain of your physical flesh for the betterment of your spiritual relationship with God.
2. Content versus Complacent
Being content is different than being complacent. Contentment, as we already mentioned, is wanting nothing that God doesn't want for us. A simple definition for complacency would be selfishly wanting nothing. So where contentment is wanting nothing of the physical (by fasting, sacrificial giving, or prayer) for the benefit of the spiritual, complacency is wanting nothing of the spiritual for the benefit of the physical body. Complacency in everyday life could be skipping your Bible reading because of a "lack of time" or cutting your prayer time short to make room for more time online. What we must remember is being content is literally next to godliness (1 Timothy 6:6-7) and complacency simply is not (Hebrews 13:16).
3. Contentment comes by faith
We know that it is impossible to please God without faith, but it is also impossible to be content in God without faith. Contentment is a product of unwavering belief that God has everything under control. Therefore, when Paul stated "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me" in Philippians 4:13, it was not only a proclamation of faith but also proof of his contentment through Christ. Being content in your situation is not a statement of surrender to your situation. It is a statement of surrender to your Savior.
Let's strive to be more content not complacent!
Coburn Hoffman
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