We all perceive satisfaction or contentment from different perspectives and with different lenses. Our appreciation of contentment is sometimes influenced by our cultural background, family exposure, friends, those we associate or fraternize with, our personal penchant or cravings, and our innate or acquired character, among many others.
We sometimes feel we have been left behind or we must be seen or acknowledged as successful or a force to reckon with. Some of these influences are primarily psychological or spiritual in nature. Such push or pull factors depending on how we see it sometimes run counter to or against our inward nature and thus create conflicts in our lives. In anxiety, we sometimes wonder at what stage we shall be content with what we have by grace. What is the meaning of contentment and where is the threshold?
What is the biblical meaning of content?
To be content in life means to be satisfied in life. It does not mean we should stay where we are without any further advancement in life. It rather means appreciating God in all things whatever be our situation, asking God to intervene in accordance with his purpose for our lives, and patiently waiting for God’s time and decision without being anxious. Those who are content in life are patient, peaceful, humble and not greedy.
Ephesians 5:17 says therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Being content in life starts from our understanding of God’s will for our lives. When we understand God’s will, then we can desire what is in fulfillment of that will so our desires may be pleasing to God. God will then give to us what will honour and glorify him in his own time. Jesus said in Matthew 6:10 thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Jesus also said in Matthew 26; 42 my Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, thy will be done. God’s will must always be paramount in our desires in life.
How can we be content in life?
Ephesians 5: 21 says always and for everything give thanks in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father. We cannot give thanks for everything if we do not understand God or challenge his decision. In such situations, we are not content with life because we desire something else. Being content is therefore being humble in spirit. Philippians 4:6 says have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Anxiety breeds lack of contentment and we can overcome it by prayer and appreciating God.
When soldiers came to Jesus and asked, what shall they do to be saved? In response, Jesus said in Luke 3: 14 rob no one by violence or by false accusation, and be content with your wages. This caution goes for all of us if we are to be content in life. We rob our clients, business associates, spouses, servants, and all we relate with believing it is a smart business or financial move or that we are wiser than them. We falsely accuse others of wrongdoing so we may receive favours or rewards in return from those who may profit from the falsehood.
Godly path to contentment
Avoid envy and be content: Proverbs 3:31 says do not envy the rich. In spite of this we envy them. At the appropriate time God will satisfy our needs. Paul says in 2 Corinthians 12; 10 for the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weakness, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities; for when I am weak, then I am strong.
Trust in God as the giver: Philippians 4:19 says my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Psalms 4: 5 says trust in the Lord. Psalms 37: 3 also says trust in the Lord, and do good; so you will dwell in the land, and enjoy security. Psalms 125:1 says those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever. Proverbs 3: 5 says trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insights.
Isaiah 26: 4 also says trust in the Lord for ever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock. Jeremiah 17: 17 says blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. With trust in him, Jeremiah 39: 18 says for I will surely save you, and you shall not fall by the sword; but you shall have your life as a prize of war, because you have put your trust in me, says the Lord. We trust Him because He is the Lord God Almighty in whom we have contentment.
Be thankful and bless the Lord always: Psalms 103: 2 says bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits. 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-22 say rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit, do not despise prophesying, but test everything; hold fast what is good, abstain from every form of evil. Ephesians 5:20 also says for everything give thanks in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father. We give thanks because we are content with what we receive.
Be unwavering in God: Matthew 6:25-34 says do not be anxious about tomorrow for tomorrow will take care of itself. Luke 12:23 also says do not be anxious about your life, what you shall eat, nor about your body, what you shall put on. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. We must have a stable mind in God. James 1:7 says let him who is without faith expect to receive nothing from the Lord. We must focus on Christ Jesus and forever depend on him in all things at all times and places.
Hebrews 13: 5 says keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have; for he has said, I will never fail you nor forsake you. Paul says in 2 Corinthians 6: 10, as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing everything. In Philippians 4: 11 he says not that I complain of want; for I have learned, in whatever state I am, to be content. He says further in Philippians 4: 12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound; in any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and want. Paul got it right and has shown us the way, let us not traverse it.
Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus Christ, in utmost humility please teach us not to rush in life but to wait upon you. By your spirit make us content in life that we may be thankful always and bless your holy name in all things. Let your ways be our ways and your thoughts be our thoughts. Deliver us from sin and wash us in your precious blood. Save our souls today and let your will be done in our lives, Amen!!
