Contentment

In the West we often have everything we need to hand, but do we have the compassion that Jesus has for the world; for the poverty stricken people we see and hear? What can we do, to make a difference? What does God ask us to do, to make a difference? We can’t carry the whole world on our shoulders, but we can do what He asks us to do. Can we hear Him, or are we too busy deciding what we want next and how we’re going to get it? Are we spending all our energy and money on going to get what we want.

Is it easy to be content with what we have? Is there perhaps a rhythm or habit needed to learn to be content? Paul said that he’d learnt to be content in whatever state he was in. Maybe if we sustained a habit of being thankful for what we have, remembering to hold back a little from the table, we might discover that we have much more than we first thought, and we can then share with others.

When my grandparents were alive they seemed to need much less than we do, yet they appeared more content. Perhaps it’s the availability of so much that makes us desire more. ‘If riches increase, don’t set your heart on them’ (Psalm 62:10).

What makes us content? Many a child would be content to have a full stomach, a warm blanket and a roof overhead. Those that help them are often contented people. But there are those that say, “Pastor, I need a bigger house”. And he replies, “But you never invite anyone round to your house!” Or “I need a bigger car.” And he says, “But you never give anyone a lift in your car!” The most contented people I know seem to enjoy blessing others, and are in turn blessed themselves. Somehow there seems to be a very strong relationship between contentment and sharing.

Benjamin Franklin said, “Contentment makes poor men rich, and discontent makes rich men poor”. Yet Paul says, that godliness added to contentment is even greater gain. As God’s children we should be the most content of all people. ‘For all things have come from You, and of Your own have we given you’ (1 Chronicles 29:14) ‘My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus’ (Philippians 4:19).

‘My hope I cannot measure, My path to life is free – My Saviour has my treasure,
And He will walk with me’. by Anna L.Waring

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to learn to be content with my days, to learn contentment in obedience and in freely giving away what You have already given me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.