Sigh…It is defined as an expression of sadness, relief, or tiredness. Contentment in the Bible is written about things we don’t need. These things are what keep us from being content.
But there is hope in how we can be content in life and our work.
Contentment in the Bible: Godliness with contentment
Paul wrote to Timothy in Chapter 6 about how false doctrines and people wanting to have discussions about things result in envy, evil, etc. They thought that godliness was a means to a great financial end (1 Tim 6:3-5). However, Paul warned Timothy that loving money is destructive.
But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world.
1 Timothy 6:6-7 ESV
We need to be content with what we have and not desire for more.
Contentment in the Bible: What it is not
Why is it wrong to want more? Isn’t that the American way? Make money and the desire to get ahead?
Yep – it is. But it is a path full of ruin and destruction.
Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge peopel into ruin and destruction.
1 Timothy 6:9 NIV
I know many people who have been chasing after money for years and piled up loads of stuff. Yet it all brings more pain than contentment.
Money, stuff, and ambition may satisfy for a brief moment. And then the lackluster of it wears off. Think about children or pets who get a new toy. They play with it for hours. Then they move on to something else, trying to find contentment in what they are playing with or doing.
I have been like that. I was looking for satisfaction in money, things, and especially ambition in my work. None of it brings contentment.
Contentment in the Bible: What it is
So what will help us be content? Paul says it is if we have food and clothing.
But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.
1 Timothy 6:8 ESV
Having basic needs helps us be content. Why? Because we need food to sustain us in life. And clothing keeps us from being naked and unashamed. (Genesis 3:7-21).
And a warm bowl of soup and comfy clothes brings me contentedness on a chilly day!
In Hebrews, the writer said:
Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with waht you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you not forsake you.”
Hebrews 13:5 ESV
We need to keep our life free of loving money, things, and ambition in our work. These things become the focus of love in our lives instead of God.
God wants us to be content with what we have. And he reminds us that we don’t have to worry about having enough. He is with us always!
I love this quote by Corrie ten Boom. It speaks to my heart about how all these things: money, stuff, and ambition are nothing. They keep me from trusting God for all my needs and rob me of contentment.
Vell, I’ve learned to hold every ting loosely, because it hurts ven God pries my fingers apart and takes tem from me.
Corrie ten Boom
Godliness with Contentment
Instead of loving money, we need to love God, be faithful, gentle, and endure in all things for the Lord. Including being content with what we have.
But ast for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.
1 Timothy 6:11 ESV
Remember, when we act with godliness and are content with what we have, that is great gain!
Reflection Thoughts on Contentment
- How has money, ambition, or stuff been a trap for you?
- What is that you are hanging on to be content in this life? Spend time in prayer with God determining whether what you are hanging onto is necessary to live on or not.
- What action could you take today to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, and gentleness?
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