Contentment
“It is not how much we have, but how much we enjoy that
makes happiness.” ~Charles Spurgeon
*In Noah Webster’s 1828 Dictionary, “content” is defines as “contained within limits; hence, quiet; not disturbed; having a mind at peace; easy; satisfied, so as not to repine, object, or oppose.”
*A. W. Pink defines it as “being satisfied with the sovereign dispensations of God's providence. Instead of complaining at his lot, a contented man is thankful that his condition and circumstances are no worse than they are. Instead of greedily desiring something more than the supply of his present need, he rejoices that God still cares for him.”
*In the Bible content is from two words. The first word, ARKEO; means "to be possessed of unfailing strength, to be strong, to suffice, to be enough; passively to be satisfied with a thing, contented." The second, AUTARKEIA describes "a perfect condition of life in which no aid or support is needed; hence, sufficiency of the necessities of life: contentment."
Scriptures on Contentment
Hebrews 13:5 Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU NOR FORSAKE YOU."
Philippians 4:11-12, 19-20 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.
1Timothy 6:6 Now godliness with contentment is great gain.
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose
Philippians 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;
External contentment is vital in the life of a believer. It is the opposite of covetousness. In today’s humanistic society it easy to become discontent with our surroundings, our husbands, our looks, our children, etc. We (and our children) are constantly given messages that this life is all about “ME”. Even within the church the message is often that “God wants you happy and wealthy” and so therefore we believe happiness is found in circumstances and things- when true happiness is found in Christ, and Christ alone. Even in the midst of trials the admonishes us to “rejoice”, in the face of persecution we are told to give thanks- this cannot be done without the supernatural power given to us through the regeneration of our spirits through the Jesus. Contentment is against the natural human nature.
Marks of a Contented Christian Lady
1. Seeks God for her needs, knowing that God is the supreme sovereign provider and finds satisfaction and gratefulness for all that is given.
2. Does not look longingly at others station in life regarding things, people, physical appearance or health, but accepts what the Lord has given with joy and a desire to bring God glory with all that she has, knowing that He has provided everything for the calling He has on her life.
3. Does not complain, but rather seeks to find things to express thankfulness for and, therefore, joy is on display continually in their life.
4. Focuses on the task that God has given her and takes delight in eternal treasures rather than setting her heart on the things of this world. It is God that satisfies all their desires.
**This is the cure for a discontented spirit.
Colossians 3:1-4 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.
Psalm 16:11 You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
2Corinthians 4:16-18 Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
Teaching Our Children the Character of Contentment
We must first recognize that our child’s greatest need is salvation through Christ alone. While contentment can surely be taught as a part of a Morality Curriculum, if it is not done in the context of the gospel, it is as “filthy rags” before the Lord. Contentment, apart from Christ, could surely bring success in this present life, but no amount of character training can bring salvation, but rather true character is a result of salvation.
Paul did not always have everything he seemed to need. For example in Philippians 4 he was hungry, yet he remained content. Gratification is the satisfying of desires and feelings, but even when done to the point of indulgence, does not guarantee contentment (quiet, at ease and satisfied). Our human nature always wants more, and thus finding contentment is not rooted in fulfilling of desires and seeking of pleasure. Notice in Philippians 4:11 that contentment must be learned, and so we find an occasion where a child can not be left to himself (Proverbs 29:15)
Our first example is Jesus, who possessed little on earth.
Matthew 8:20 And Jesus said to him, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head."
And knowing our tendency toward covetousness, He taught specifically on the subject of our possessions.
Luke 12:15 And He said to them, "Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses."
Matthew 6:19-21 "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Matthew 6:24 "No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.
Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
Demonstrating contentment in our own life is a powerful tool in instructing our children. Guarding our hearts and our lips and proclaiming gratefulness in all things, even trials, persecutions, and in lack. Let your children see you seek the Lord when needs arise, express faith in His goodness that He is the supreme provider, and joyfully "make do" with what you have.
1Timothy 6:6-12 Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
On a daily basis we must distinguish between “wants” and “needs”. One of the most effective ways to teach contentment is simply allowing your children to go without, or even better when it comes to material things, work hard for it. Rewarding their every craving, whether it is possessions, activities (chores or entertainment), physical appearance (hair, nails, make up, whatever the latest fashion is), time constraints (“Do it now!”) or whatever, breeds a spirit of discontent that can not be satisfied! Rather the desire will just move to it’s next object and await more temporary gratification!
Proverbs 23:5 Will you set your eyes on that which is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away like an eagle toward heaven.
Some Character Traits that Cultivate Contentment
GENEROSITY - 2 Cor 9:6, Luke 6:38, 1John 3:17
PATIENCE- Luke 21:19, Rom 2:7, 2Thes 3:5, James 1:2-4
HUMILITY- 1Pet 5:5, Prov 22:4, Prov 16:19
JOYFULNESS- Neh 8:10, Ps 16:11, Prov 17:22, Ps 51:12
AVAILABILITY- Tit 3:1, Matt 16:24-25, Matt 5:16 (simplifying our daily needs so we are ready and able to serve those whom God brings to us)
GRATEFULNESS- Jam 1:7, 1Thes 5:18, Col
SELF CONTROL- 1Tim 4:15, Ro 12:2, Ro 6:2,11,16, Gal 5:16
From La.
Training children to be content is vital to helping them achieve success in life and marriage. It is not to be confused with complacency. Complacency is a stagnant sate of mind in which an individual fails to stretch themselves toward higher achievement. Contentment is finding joy in every season of life.
The opposite of contentment is covetousness. This was the first trick used of Satan in the Garden of Eden. He played on their desire for more [not just material things, but knowledge and independence- RKT].
Contentment is vital to happiness in so many areas of life. Consider the level of contentment in your children/grandchildren. Is there something that you are doing that fosters or hinders the development of contentment in them? Be sure to reward contentment with praise, i.e. “Thank you for being so patient.” “You are so generous to share the last cookie.”
