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?