Even more about contentment

As you may remember, we defined contentment as satisfaction with one's possessions, status, or situation. Let's look at some of what Jesus had to say about contentment in the famous "Sermon on the Mount."

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 5:3-10

Jesus talks about different types of people and how they are blessed.

• "The poor in spirit" may not have a lot of possessions, but they are blessed.
• "Those who mourn" may have lost something or had someone they loved die, but they are blessed.
• "The meek" may be people of low status, but they are blessed.
• "Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness" want to improve their situation by being better people, they are blessed.
• "The merciful" do good things for those of lower status or in bad situations, they will be blessed.
• "The pure in heart" are content, they are blessed.
• "The peacemakers" try to help improve relationships and situations, they are blessed.
• The "persecuted because of righteousness" are good people in bad situations, they are blessed.

Jesus recognized good people might not have lots of possessions or might be of low status or might be in bad situations and he called them blessed. If Jesus blessed people regardless of their possessions, status, or situations, why should we not be satisfied with ours?

More about contentment

The Apostle Paul had some things to say about contentment...

I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

Philippians 4:10-13

In this passage, Paul is thanking the Philippians for gifts they had given him. He was not trying to get them to give him more gifts.

Discussion questions

• Twice in this passage, Paul says "I have learned..." Do you think that contentment comes naturally?
• Have you ever felt that you were "in need" or that you had "plenty?" What does that mean?
• Have you ever felt "well fed" or hungry? What does that mean?
• Paul knew how to be content in all of these circumstances. Do you think you could be content too?
• What was the secret of Paul's contentment?

Let's look at a little more of what Paul said about contentment...

But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.

1 Timothy 6:8

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

2 Corinthians 9:8

Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you "

Hebrews 13:5

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service.

1 Timothy 1:12

Contentment

Contentment. What is contentment? The dictionary defines it as being "the quality or state of being contented." Well, what does contented mean? The dictionary defines it as "feeling or showing satisfaction with one's possessions, status, or situation."

Have we read anything in the Bible yet about contentment? Actually we have...

We've read some about being satisfied with our possessions.

"You shall not covet your neighbor's house. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor."

Exodus 20:17

That's one of the Ten Commandments. If God tells us not to want what our neighbors have, doesn't that imply that we should be satisified with what we have?

What about being satisfied with our status (position or rank in relation to others)? Well, we've seen that a couple of places already...

And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'

Matthew 22:39

If we love our neighbor as ourself, we think of them as being as important as we are - not more or less important than we are. Also when we read about the Fruit of the Spirit, several of the fruit (peace, kindness, goodness, gentleness) deal with how we relate to others or our status in the eyes of others.

Have we read anything about being contented or satisfied in our situation?

All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one
of them came to be.

Psalm 139:16b

If God has ordained all the days of our lives and we know He loves us and has a plan for us, why shouldn't we be satisfied with our situation?

So, we've already learned a little bit about why we should be contented. As we continue, we'll learn more about it.