by Elizabeth George August 18, 2020
Contentment is almost an extinct virtue, yet it is one of the greatest blessings in the world. The Word of God calls us to be content. In fact, Paul shares with us in 1 Timothy 6 that godliness with contentment is great gain and that food and clothing are all we need to be content. I believe him. He was a man who knew how to be content in all circumstances.
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 to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. - Philippians 4:11-12
God promised us that He will provide all of our needs. Often, the issue isn’t food, clothing, and basic supplies. We are human, and we have wants. And though sometimes He will, we cannot expect God to provide material things. It is better to be content and receive an unexpected blessing than to live unsatisfied and frequently disappointed.
Contentment is Learned
If Paul had to “learn” how to be content, then we should too.
Contentment is Required When You Have Much
The more we have, the more we want. John Wesley once said, “When I have money I get rid of it as quickly as possible, lest it find a way into my heart.”
Contentment is Required When You Have Little
Do you ever have thoughts like, “If I just had a little more money I’d be fine” or “If I could just get that better paying job my life would be okay.” These things aren’t true. We can be content right now, in our present state, if we trust in the Lord.
Contentment is Not Based on Your Current Circumstances
You are God’s child; you already possess all the treasures of heaven. You have the hope of eternal life! No amount of turmoil or tragedy will erase that.
Contentment is Based on the Person of God
Look at God and see who He is. Look up His names: Provider, Almighty, Healer, All Seeing, All Knowing: God is our everything. Seek Him.
When we approach our financial life from the level of contentment, everything changes. The Bible teaches us to be good stewards and to be givers and not borrowers. God also expects us to trust Him fully and when we do that, the natural fruit of that trust is contentment.
Dear Lord, I’m relying on Your grace to give me contentment as I go about my day. Thank You for Your Word and Your Spirit that guide me. Amen.
Do you pay attention to where you spend your money? Does your spending reflect your trust in God?
We are to place all our trust in God alone.
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Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14 million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:
Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14 million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:
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