Contentment in life is believed to be a function of wealth or power but this is misleading and grossly misconceived. Contentment is peace from God through Christ Jesus that enables us to be thankful to God in all things without complaint. We must learn to divorce biblical standards from worldly standards.
Worldly path to contentment
We find all sorts of means to justify our conduct as lawful. However Paul says in 1 Corinthians 10:23, all things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient; all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. Legal principles are not always substitutes for biblical principle; neither is circular doctrine any substitute for divinity.
We will be judged based on our spiritual character not our business acumen. Matthew 16:26 says for what shall it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his life? In our anxiety to possess wealth, or to be content in life, this should be our guiding principle and motivation. We must not be misled to align with worldly demands of deceit and shrewdness.
Romans 16:17 says take note of those who create dissensions and difficulties, in opposition to the doctrine which you have been taught; avoid them. Ephesians 4:14 also says we must no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the cunning of men, by their craftiness in deceitful wiles. Jesus wants us to follow scripture regarding our needs in life and not what others say contrary to scripture.
How to avoid worldly attractions
Romans 6:12 says let not sin therefore reign in your mortal bodies, to make you obey their passions. We must be weary of the attractions of the world because it is not our eternal home. Let us not be boastful or haughty. 2 Chronicles 7:14 says that if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. In humility we are allowed to ask God for our needs.
Proverbs 3: 1-4 says my son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments; for the length of days and years of life and abundant welfare will they give you. Let not loyalty and faithfulness forsake you; bind them about your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favour and good repute in the sight of God and man. Let us remember that Colossians 3: 3 says for you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. This must be our watchword in life as a remembrance.
Matthew 6:33 says but seek ye first the kingdom of God and its righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well. Pursuing righteousness will make us content in life through Christ Jesus. James 4:8 says draw near to him and God will draw near to us. Let us always remember that Romans 14:8 says whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. 1 Thessalonians 5:10 also says Christ died for us so that whether we wake or sleep we might live with him. This is a cardinal purpose or essence of life for a Christian.
Why must we be content?
Romans 8:28 says all things work together for good unto those who are called according to his purpose. To us, every event or circumstances in life is God’s path for us in order to achieve his purpose for us. Jeremiah 29: 11 says for I know the plans I have for you, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. 1 Timothy 4:4 says for everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving; for then it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.
When we complain about challenges or worldly attractions we must avert our minds to 1 Corinthians 10:13 which says no temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and will not let you be tempted beyond your strength, but with the temptation will also provide the way of escape, that you will be able to endure it. James 1:2-3 says count it all joy, my brethren, when you meet various trials, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
God knows all our needs even before we were born. He has perfect plans for each of us. Discontentment makes God sad and disappointed because it shows our lack of faith in him without wisdom. He alone knows our capacity at each and every time and we must not rush to possess something when the time is not due. Let us learn to wait on God with prayer and thanksgiving.
Isaiah 40:31 says but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. Will we wait on the Lord or rush in life with discontentment? We pray to the good and gracious Lord to be with us all.
Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, please lead us to overcome the attractions of this world. Make us content in life. Let your godliness be our guide and strength. Let your grace sustain us in humility to accept your path and plans for our lives that we may reach your expected future. Plant your word in our hearts that we may continually crave for you rather than the world. Wash us in your precious blood and save our lives today. Thank you Jesus for answered prayer, Amen!!
