In our culture, we are bombarded with the message that we constantly need more to be happy. It’s easy to get wrapped up in our possessions and the pursuit of possessions. However, we need to learn to be content in all circumstances.
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The Bible makes it clear that contentment is attainable and should be strived for.
“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” 1 Tim. 6:6-12
The following three steps will be help us practice contentment:
Discover the love of God
As parents, we would never give our toddlers everything they wanted because their wants are many times not the best things for them. Likewise, God doesn’t always give us what we want or think is best because He knows what is best for us! God always hears our prayers, and knows what is going on in our lives. If He doesn’t answer our prayers in the way we think He should, He either is teaching us something in the trial, has something better for us or it isn’t the right time for it. As you walk through challenging times, remember that God will strengthen you. Furthermore, stop asking “why” and ask “what can I learn from this?”
Have a heart for gratitude
We need to strive to be “always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Eph. 5:20
Human nature is to always want more, however more will never be enough. The Israelites grumbled and complained and ended up wandering in the desert for forty years. Choose to be grateful instead of complaining.
Get a vision for people who are perishing
We need to have the heart to see people as God sees them.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3:16-17
Look at the heart of God! His unimaginable love drove Him to send His son to the cross, for us! God didn’t condemn people, so we shouldn’t either.