Christian Topic: Being Content
November 01, 2004 - by Crown Financial Ministries

Contentment is knowing God’s plan for your life. Therefore, seek God’s will for your life, then trust God’s promises.
 
"But godliness actually is a means of great gain, when accompanied by contentment" (1 Timothy 6:6). Contentment, contrary to popular opinion, is not being satisfied with what you have. It is knowing God’s plan for your life, having the conviction to live it, and believing that God’s peace is greater than the world’s goods.

We get trapped into a discontented life by adopting worldly goals. These goals always boil down to more...bigger...best. Scripture defines them as indulgence, greed, and pride. In our society it is not normal to "step down." Once a certain level of income (or spending) has been attained, it is considered a failure to step down. Is the concept of conservation and moderation really a loser’s attitude? Not according to biblical standards.

God’s Plan for Contentment
Although many Scriptures teach about the dangers of material riches, God’s Word does not teach that poverty is the alternative. God wants us to understand that money is a tool to use in accomplishing His plan through us. For Christians ever to find true contentment, some basic guidelines must be established.

1. Establish a reasonable standard of living.
Since there is no universal plan that is suitable for everyone, this must be a standard established among husband, wife, and God. Just having an abundance is not a sign of God’s blessings. Satan can easily duplicate any worldly riches. God’s riches are without sorrow and for bringing others to salvation.

2. Establish a habit of giving.
Above the tithe God wants Christians to be involved with the needs of others. Every Christian family should be directly involved with the needs of another family. There are many Christian organizations that act as a funnel for such funds. If you can’t be personally involved, this is the best alternative. "At this present time your abundance being a supply for their want, that their abundance also may become a supply for your want, that there may be equality; as it is written, ’He who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little had no lack’ " (2 Corinthians 8:14-15).

3. Establish priorities.
Many Christians are discontented, not because they aren’t doing well but because others are doing better. "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’ " (Hebrews 13:5). Too often we let the urgent things take priority over the important things.

4. Develop a thankful attitude.
Thankfulness is a state of mind, not an accumulation of assets. Until we can truly thank God for what we have and be willing to accept that as God’s provision for our lives, contentment never will be possible.

5. Reject a fearful spirit.
Dedicated Christians get trapped into hoarding because they fear the "What if?" of retirement, disability, unemployment, or economic collapse. Obviously, God wants us to consider these things and even plan for them, within reason. When fear dictates to the point that giving to God’s work is hindered, foolish risks are assumed and worry becomes the norm rather than the exception. A Christian must consciously reject this attitude of fear. "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13).

Conclusion
Contentment is knowing God’s plan for your life. Therefore, seek God’s will for your life. "More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish in order that I may gain Christ" (Philippians 3:8). Then we must trust God’s promises. "The peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:7).

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