How To Learn Contentment|10 Biblical Reasons To Be Content

In the previous article, we discussed what contentment is NOT, defined what it is and shared 5 signs a person is content. Please read it before you continue; 7 Wrong Ways We View Contentment|5 Signs You’re Content

Contentment is learned, not received as a gift. We naturally desire to have the best, the biggest and the easiest life.

I saw this when our kids were growing up.

When other kids visited our house, our daughter Stephanie would pull all the toys to herself, and if we bought her a new toy, she abandoned the old ones for the new ones.

Like Stephanie, we wish to become millionaires or famous people because we think we’d be happier. Would we?

Greed is the enemy of contentment as discussed in this article We’re Born Greedy|12 Dangers Of Desiring Riches First & Fast

School Of Contentment

The great Apostle Paul graduated from the school of contentment.

He says,

“Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have.

I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything.

I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.

For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.”  (Philippians 4:11-13)

Even successful, accomplished, popular and wealthy people become discontented with life to the extent of committing suicide. Though they have, they want more. They’re not satisfied and grateful for what they have.

Such people may possess nice cars, live in mansions, eat the best foods, travel the world and shop all they want but deep down in their hearts, something is missing.

So, they attempt to numb their misery with games, drugs, alcohol and parties, among other distractions. But they remain empty, restless and sad until they encounter Jesus Christ – the Saviour and Prince of Peace!

Yet across their city, poor people in the slums wake up every day eager to work and make a living. Though they struggle a lot, suicide is not an option. They have a reason to keep hustling.

But the poor, too, can experience the feeling of meaninglessness. We all need Jesus Christ to help us find meaning and purpose in life.

Who do you think finds it easy to be content, the rich or the poor?

I think it’s harder for the rich.

Why?

Because they have the resources to have anything they want at any time. It takes greater restraint to be happy with what they have than to replace it or buy more stuff they don’t need.

Might this be the reason it’s very difficult for a rich person to enter heaven? (Matthew 19:23-24)

All this proves that being content and happy is an attitude of mind and a state of heart any of us can cultivate. If you can’t attain this attitude in the situation you’re in right now, there is no guarantee you’ll have it when you get what you desire most or when you arrive where you want to go.

Therefore, we learn contentment through being grateful for what we have and refusing to complain, compare and compete with others.

No matter what we go through, God is with us. We can trust Him to take care of us all the days of our lives because He is our able and loving Father.

The prayer of Agur also echoes this wisdom of contentment.

He says,

“First help me to never lie.

Second, give me neither poverty nor riches!

Give me just enough to satisfy my needs.

For if I grow rich, I may deny you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’

And if I am too poor, I may steal and thus insult God’s holy name.” (Proverbs 30:7-9)

The humility of this prayer fascinates me.

Only God knows the little or much we can handle.

10 Biblical Reasons To Be Content

#1: We Shall Take Nothing Out Of This World

We’re born naked and empty-handed; we die naked except for what we store in heaven. (1 Timothy 6:6-8, Matthew 6:19-20)

#2: The Material Things We Possess Are Not A Measure Of Success Or Spiritual Maturity

The world esteems economic status, awards and positions but God’s priority is our spiritual status which determines our eternal destiny.

“Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.” (Luke 12:15)

#3: Contentment Brings God’s Peace & Joy

Discontentment steals our peace and joy in the Lord. One of the saddest ironies in life is to meet someone who has everything life can give yet they lack peace, joy and happiness.

“Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!” Philippians 4:4

#4: Contentment Brings Assurance That God Will Take Care Of You & Will Never Leave You Nor Forsake You

You can face tomorrow with confidence and courage because you know who knows your future. (Psalm 23:1, Hebrews 13:5, Philippians 4:19, Philippians 4:11-13)

#5: Discontentment Won’t Change Anything About Your Situation

Worrying or craving what you don’t have or can’t have at the moment is a waste of precious time and energy.

 “Enjoy what you have rather than desiring what you don’t have. Just dreaming about nice things is meaningless—like chasing the wind.” Ecclesiastes 6:9

A content person enjoys what they have, changes what they can and accepts what they can’t change or control. (Matthew 6:27, Ecclesiastes 5:19)

#6: Contentment Empowers Us To Focus On Heavenly Things

Earthly things will pass away, decay, be stolen, accumulate dust and be given to another. But those who pursue heavenly things and store their treasures in heaven are the richest people now and in eternity.

Rather than chase after what will not satisfy, we should pursue God who alone is our great reward and satisfaction. (Genesis 15:1, Colossians 3:1-2)

#7: All We Own On Earth Is Destined To Rust, Burn & Decay

When the rich and the poor die, they’re all the same in this respect; none goes with any physical possession in the next life.

For this reason, we should not let possessions control us or hang onto them so tightly. Instead, let’s use them to honour God and help those in need. (2 Peter 3:7, 10-14)

“Here’s the lesson: Use your worldly resources to benefit others and make friends. Then, when your possessions are gone, they will welcome you to an eternal home.” Luke 16:9

#8: A Contented Person Counts Their Blessings

God has done so much for you.

Give thanks to Him for the gift of life, salvation, family, friends, brothers and sisters in the Lord and whatever else He has done for you.

If He did nothing else you desire from now on, would you still love and live for Him?

#9: Living A Simple Life Makes Our Lives Less Complicated

The more things we have, the more time we spend time taking care of them.

As Christians we should not chase brands, accumulate stuff we don’t need, build big houses we don’t use or drive expensive cars just to make a statement of our riches yet our brothers and sisters have no food, clothes or medicine.

“You have spent your years on earth in luxury, satisfying your every desire. You have fattened yourselves for the day of slaughter.” James 5:5

#10: Contentment Cultivates A Heart Of Generosity

A person who has learned contentment is happy with what they have, avoids getting loans to buy what they can’t afford and therefore is free to share with those in need.

“Sodom’s sins were pride, gluttony, and laziness, while the poor and needy suffered outside her door.” Ezekiel 16:49

Apostle Paul writes,

^“12 Whatever you give is acceptable if you give it eagerly. And give according to what you have, not what you don’t have.

¹³ Of course, I don’t mean your giving should make life easy for others and hard for yourselves. I only mean that there should be some equality.

¹⁴ Right now you have plenty and can help those who are in need. Later, they will have plenty and can share with you when you need it. In this way, things will be equal.

¹⁵ As the Scriptures say,

“Those who gathered a lot had nothing left over,
and those who gathered only a little had enough.”

(2 Corinthians 8:12-15)

Thank you for reading this article. I welcome your comments and questions below – as iron sharpens iron, let’s sharpen each other.

 A WISE PERSON hears and obeys the Word of God. Their lives are built on the rock. They stand strong through life’s temptations, tests and troubles.

A FOOLISH PERSON hears and ignores the Word of God. Their lives are built on sand. They bend, break down and backslide when faced with life’s temptations, tests and troubles.

“Now that you know these things, God will bless you for doing them. Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.” (John 13:17, James 4:17)

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Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. (https://www.biblegateway.com)

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