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Whatever happened to contentment?
By admin | December 9, 2008
A number of people have asked for my opinion about the recent and ongoing credit or economic crunch, and quite frankly, I did not feel that I had the knowledge (to make an informed economic case) or that I had anything to add to what other Christians had said.
However, the more I think about the subject, the more I realise the importance of personal responsibility. The scriptures make us understand that everything that can be shaken will be shaken. The only enduring thing will be the kingdom of God (the rule and reign of God in our lives and society). In the same breath, the scriptures make us understand that judgement begins in the house of God. In other words, we should examine ourselves first.
And that brings me to today’s subject. Whatever happened to contentment? Living as a citizen of the kingdom of heaven means that we obey the rules of the kingdom and one of such rules is contentment.
Contentment is another one of those words that looks like an oxymoron. Contentment in the minds of some Christians means ‘being satisfied with where we are in life, being passive, not doing more than enough or more than is expected of us BUT like many biblical truths, misuse of a word should not imply non-use.
The scriptures actually state that contentment with godliness is great gain (1 Timothy 6:6) and the Apostle Paul said ‘I have learnt in whatever state I am to be content’ (Philippians 4:11). Remembering that at the end of his life, Paul said that he was like a drink offering that had been poured out, gives the impression of someone who worked and toiled for Christ, he was certainly not passive.
So what has this got to do with the credit crunch? Let’s go back to the meaning of the biblical word ‘contentment’
According to the bible dictionary, contentment means ‘satisfaction of one’s needs; control of one’s desires. The Greek verb conveys a sense of freedom from reliance on other people or things. This is not simply an acceptance of our situation in life, but a positive assurance that because God supplies all our needs, we are freed from unnecessary desires’. Unfortunately, contentment is not a widely preached topic in the church today.
Jesus taught us to learn contentment by relying on God to provide all of our needs (Matthew 6:33) and to avoid greed of any sort (Luke 12:13-21). The issue of contentment is not a material or physical thing, but one of fully trusting God.
This newsletter goes to at least 80 countries and the effect of the credit crunch will vary from country to country, but the word of God does not vary.
If you still have a job and a business, which is ‘profitable and healthy’, don’t forget to consciously thank God. Remember the LORD for it is He that gives you the power to create wealth (Deuteronomy 8:18). Make an effort to thank Him because the reason you have not been affected is because of His grace.
For those who are going through a tough time, Hebrews 13:5-6 encourages us ‘Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you”. So we may boldly say: “The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”
For some of us, we might struggle to accept this. Not because you don’t believe the word, but because things are so difficult, and that it’s difficult to see beyond the difficulties. In that case, let’s take our lack of faith to God and pray ‘Lord, I believe, help thy my unbelief.
For all of us, in addition to reviewing our spending habits (particularly if we live in the west where there is the temptation to live off credit cards), let us all take today’s lesson on board. God is our source.
Let’s learn to examine ourselves and in turn trust in God.
Until I appear again in your inbox, stay blessed
Ola
Topics: Christian, Christian Business, Finances |
June 4th, 2009 at 6:22 pm
Hi, good post. I have been woondering about this issue,so thanks for posting. I’ll definitely be coming back to your site.