To be content is to have freedom from anxiety or worry, being satisfied.
We should be a contented people, at peace with God, our neighbors and ourselves. We should feel we have enough and all we have is more than enough. This applies to worldly things, material things.
2 Samuel 19:31-37
Barzillai provided King David with food while he was with them and when it was time for David to return to Jerusalem David wanted Barzillai to come home with him to stay so he could take care of him. Barzillai reused, he was old and content with what he had and feared he would become a burdon to David and asked him to take Chimham instead. He felt Chimham could benefit more than himself. Barzillai’s contentment led to a wonderful blessing for Chimham.
How do we remain content regardless of our circumstances?
Phillipians 4_11-13
Do not depend on circumstances for our contentment, when we do this we become unhappy when things don’t go our way. We should depend on Jesus and God because his divine power will never fail us.
Psalm 16:6
We should be cintent just knowing who we are and where we belong. We are children of God, we are blessed and are entitled to all things of God, if we believe.
What brings contentment?
1. Matthew 6:24
Humility and Trust in God
Pride results in believing that we and man do it all. Humility puts others first and allows us to be content with God leading our lives.
2. 1 Timothy 6:10
Devotion to Christ
Worldly materials or the desire of them takes away from our devotion to Christ
3. Philipians 4:12
Eternal Values
WE should believe in things that do not fade, can’t be used up and never wear out. Have the mentality that I can live with everything or nothing and still love God and he still loves me.
4. 1 Timothy 6:6-7
Having God’s Prospective On Life
Seeing life from God’s point of view. Get our priorities straight. Realizing what is truely important. You can’t take it with you.
But as we all know we should seek, search and desire the things of God. So how can we be content and still want. We should never be satisfied with what we have spiritually we should always desire more.
Mark 11:23-26
Whatever you desire spiritually if you forgive others you will receive.
Phillipians 4:11 (again)
We have to learn to abase. Set down and be happy, go with the flow.
We have to learn to abound. Get up and go for it, go get it want and desire it, seek it.
Abase on the material things, abound on the things of the spirit.
If we abounded on the spiritual things like we abound on material things we could get a lot accomplished. If we desired spiritual gifts as we desire to win the lottery we could be effective and unyielding.
We are told to want and desire.
1 Peter 2:2
We should desire the sincere milk of the word. The elements of the word of God that helps us grow and strengthens us to achieve the fullness of our salvation.
God is the only source of contentment. Our Godly conduct toward others can be a source of God’s contentment through us. He has chosen us to receive his own glory and goodness.
Research material derived from Ilumina-Tyndale Publishers
