It is no secret that there is indeed an absence of contentment for those who confide in the world and look to it for happiness. We need look no farther than the daily headlines to see the misery of many of the world’s most famous and wealthy personalities. Even though most of these people have all they could dream of within an arm’s length, many are heavily into drugs and or alcohol; continually trying to null their senses. Can we begin to number those whose lives were cut short while trying to ease their psychological pain? The terrible misfortunes of these individuals should come as no surprise, for contentment cannot be found outside Jesus Christ. What is surprising, however, is that this wonderfully accessible provision for the child of God has become very rare in the hearts of God’s people today. According to many polls, there are more people in our nation attending churches in this generation than any other time in history, yet very few have true peace and contentment in their lives.
How many of us of the baby boomer generation remember the resolve of our parents. I cannot recall on any occasion when either my Mom or Dad ever stated that they wanted more than they had, in their words, “been blessed with”. Now, these were two people who lived and raised two children in a dilapidated rental house with no amenities. There was no hot water except that which was heated on the old stove. There only heat for the house was from either a coal or wood heater (later they would be able to buy a tank and change to a propane heater). I can’t recall my mother having over thirty dollars in her purse at any given time during her life. Dad labored long and hard hours in a chicken feed mill, for little pay; never more than minimum wage. Yet, I never heard any complaining from either as to why they couldn’t have what everyone else had. Not even a hint of negativity!
Even though they didn’t have the “good life”, as some might call it, they continued to love God and their church. Though many times it was struggle to have food on the table, they gave thanks to God for the food they had.
What is the difference between them and us today? I present to you that it was Contentment! They were contented “with such things as they had” Hebrews 13:5. “Having food and raiment they were therewith content” I Timothy 6:8. They never pined over what they didn’t have, but rather felt blessed to have what had been given them of our Lord. They understood that this life was only for a fleeting space of time and even if it was uncomfortable, it would be but for a few days. After which, they would move to their true home. Their citizenship was not of this world. Having a hope in Christ they understood that their inheritance was in Heaven itself, which is the true country for the child of God.
If we look closely we will find that the “needs” of any person are very simple. Food, drink, raiment and shelter are the only physical necessities that anyone truly requires. However, if not careful, our “wants” can quickly take precedence over our needs and possibly become the greatest hindrance in our lives as professed Christians.
When we look to the language of the scriptures, we find that contentment does not come automatically as a consequence of regeneration. Apostle Paul stated that he had “learned” that whatsoever state that he was in to be therewith content Philippians 4:11. So, as he states, contentment is a learning process, which lies within the grasp of the child of God. If we never learn what is and is not important in life, we will never have true contentment.
Many, even God’s people, believe that the more material wealth one can acquire, the more contented one will be. This has been tried over the ages and it has been proven time and again that “things” cannot or will not make anyone happy or content. In closing, I quote C. S Lewis, “God cannot give us happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing”
In all humility
Sam Everett
