Other words that describe contentment are: happiness, fulfillment, peace and satisfaction. Paul wrote in 1 Timothy 6:6-7(NIV)
But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.
Unfortunately, our culture does not train us be content. Everything around us appears to make us believe that the more, the big, the fast, and the best you can have, puts you over the top and your life is then much better. We are constantly bombarded by media with advertising, and indeed satisfaction is branded as acquisition of the very best, the very big and the very expensive. You turn on the television, you log on to the internet, you drive down the highways, and there are commercials, ads, and billboards. You will even see some adverts on this page.
But contrary to this belief, when you get over the top, you find that the quest for a bigger, and even more expensive, has just begun. Life then becomes a chase and pursuit for more.
How then can you be content?
Realize that contentment is learned not natural. As Paul wrote on Philippians 4:11 (NIV)
“… for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” And take each step at a time.
By Trusting God to meet all your needs
Sometimes we can get carried away as we plan our finances and forget that it’s not the money that enables us to go on every day. But in fact it is God’s power at work in us that even “…gives us power to get wealth” (Deut 8:18)
Re-examining your priorities
This helps us to answer the questions: what takes most of my time? What do i worry about most? Is God in control of my life?
Acknowledge that true contentment cannot be found in possessions
You will always find someone who….has a better job than you do, has a bigger house in a nicer sub-division than you do, is admired than you are.. and the list goes on. Then make a lifestyle change.
Invest in your relationships.
Because money and wealth is temporary, those in your relationships will possibly be there for you when the wealth has taken you the farthest it can.
Build an eternal investment.
With all the treasures that money can buy- it‘s still a loss and a GREAT loss for that matter if your life is not invested in Jesus Christ.
Related readings
- What the Bible Says about Saving Money
- Is God In Your Financial Equation?
- Great gain comes from contentment
Thanks for the encouraging words Joe! It is amazing how quickly I find myself slipping back into want rather than trusting in God and praising him for the sun coming up each day. I pray that someday I am truly content.
@ BibleDebt – Contentment is a truth that we have to daily learn. I also find myself occasionally slipping back…when overwhelmed by circumstances but have to remind myself of these truths.