Our time of visiting with loved ones from past days had
come to an end. We had spent several
hours sitting at the table with friends we think of as family, discussing events
from days gone by.
We had a long drive ahead of us, so it was time we got on
the road. Saying our good-byes we made
our way out to the driveway, still sharing things that made us laugh, cry and
think about our own lives.
My husband and I were talking with the other couple when
a topic of conversation came up on being content. I have to tell you, after
that I was a bit unsettled.
It wasn’t
what my friend said concerning another woman and her desire to have a house,
because frankly I never looked at the situation in that way. I am thankful for the discussion that led me to seek the Lord in my own life.
Was my life out of balance in the desires of my heart? The uncertainty was whether or not I was
living a life of discontentment and didn’t realize it.
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What does being content mean?
Life is always moving forward, so our desire to have more
is often coupled with accomplishments in life. It’s what I call the “if” syndrome. If I had this, or if I had that, I’d be
happy. So many times we think that
contentment has to do with having more or doing more. Chip Ingram says it like
this,
“Since there is no end
to our desire to acquire or do more,
we’ll never experience
contentment.”
Some believe detaching themselves from material things
brings contentment, while others strive to attain more hoping it will give them
the peace they desire. Both, I have to
tell you are misguided.
If I were to answer this question it would have to be in
stages with varying results or meaning.
When we think of living in a state of contentment though, we picture
being happy or satisfied with the way things are in our lives at that time. Life is peaceful, not stressed or overtaxed
(literally and figuratively).
Is comparison living hijacking your life?
As a woman who has worked in the White House, corporate
banking, mother and wife, Kay Wills Wyma has another take on living on the
balance bar of life. I love how she
asks, “Is comparison living hijacking
your life?”
When we were visiting our friend Lony, she told us to take
a tour of her new house. She was a
recent widow and moved after the home going of her husband. It was lovely, bright and a pleasure to sit
on her new furniture.
It’s not a secret that I love to decorate, so looking around
her home I found myself picturing how certain things would go well with her
surroundings. Things I would keep, add
or take away to make it a homey environment.
I found she had so many unique things that brought out her
personality, frankly there was no need to change anything.
Have you ever done that?
Do you find that you compare your house to someone else’s? Are you comparison shopping in another person’s
life looking at their “perfect” kids, job, home, marriage, appearance or bank
account?
If we were to look at your life, would it be a copy
of someone else’s? With society telling
us that we “must have” and “do more”, it’s no wonder we’re living in
discontentment. Can’t we be happy for
others while we wait for the desires of our heart to come to pass?
I’m Not Moses, John or Paul
Not feeing “content” (at peace) with what was in my
spirit I looked up every passage in the Bible about contentment/content. Although there were thirty-three matches, the
word “content” shows up nine times in the scriptures (not being confused with contention).
Moses was content with his living conditions, because he
was treated like a son. He was also
pleased with the way the sin offerings were handled when Aaron explained the
conditions.
In other passages of the Bible, there were several
mentions of people being content, while others were not happy with their
dwellings. Some wanted to stay in one place, others wanted to move. What I couldn’t find was God being angry with
either situation, even if He disagrees with how we're going about things.
In the New Testament John the Baptist answered questions
from his wealthy followers who had cheated people out of their money. Responding to the soldiers, he was referring
to their “protection racket” of fees they set for the people that was above
their own wages. (see John 3)
Farther along in the Bible, the Apostle Paul speaks of
contentment in his letter to the Philippians.
He spoke of being content in whatever state (condition) he was in at any
given time. However, he also related to
them that he knew that if they had another opportunity to give to him (financially
and through material things) they would have.
Another thing he points out to them is that he wanted
them to give so God could bless their work and offerings. (see Philippians 4)
“But I rejoice in the Lord greatly that now at last your
care for me has flourished again (that means they gave him something), though
you surely did care, but lacked opportunity.
Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state
I am, to be content.
I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound.
Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both
to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who
strengthens me.
Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my
distress. Now you Philippians know also
that in the beginning of the gospel (when I started ministry), when I departed
from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but
you only. For even in Thessalonica you
sent aid once and again for my necessities.
Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your
account.
Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received
from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable
sacrifice, well pleasing to God. And my God shall supply all your need
according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Now to our God and Father be glory forever
and ever. Amen.”
Do you think Paul was really content with his conditions? Certainly not. At the time of that writing
the apostle was in a prison in Rome. Not
long before that he was beaten, left for dead and betrayed. I’m sure he was grateful for the little baked
goods (modern day Little Debbie’s) and blankets in that cold, dark dungeon.
What Paul was speaking of was the joy he had found
through his life as a believer in Christ Jesus.
His attitude was different.
Being trained to be a Jewish leader, Paul had lived a
life of luxury. He knew what it was like to have much. When he became a missionary, Paul didn’t have
those same accommodations or supplies. It didn’t mean he wanted to be without
them. If so, he wouldn’t have been grateful
for receiving the gifts from the people, but instead would have refused them.
He realized that being content is an attitude we learn,
not what we achieve.
But what about rich people?
When writing to Timothy about being a young pastor in ministry,
Paul tried to encourage him to stay in the work of the Lord regardless of how
he was being treated or cared for when it came to his physical needs.
At that time the congregation wasn’t
listening to him, and believed that having more riches was a way of being godly
and obtaining God’s favor. Paul gave
specific instructions on how this attitude could be dealt with in Timothy’s church.
Obviously Timothy had many rich people in his
congregation, but their desires were set on selfishness. What Paul directs Tim to do is to warn his
congregants not to trust in something that can vanish as quickly as it came,
referring to their assets.
“Command those who are rich in this present age not to be
haughty (puffed up thinking they are better than others because they have
riches), nor to trust in uncertain riches but to trust in the living God, who
gives us richly all things to enjoy.
Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready
to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the
time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.” (from 1 Timothy 6)
 |
| Every year Bob Blackley gives out $5.00 bills on his birthday. He blessed 160 people that day! |
Jesus tells us to open our homes for His work in the
book of Timothy. How can a home serve as
a house for ministry if a person doesn’t have one? There is definitely a problem
with balancing the Christian life if we think living in contentment has only to
do with material things.
Spiritually, Physically & Emotionally Content
“If we have Christ we already have everything and all else is a bonus. If
we saw things in this way, and embrace it with joy, then the richest man has nothing
on you. (revised excerpt from Ron Blue article Focus on the Family)
The same frame of thinking, when it comes to “getting
ahead” to have more stuff, is related to us in Hebrews 13:5.
“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.”
Learning to live a contented life is complex and can include
physical, spiritual and emotional contentment.
Not all have to do with money.
Wanting to have nice things doesn’t mean that
a person is necessarily not content with what they have. There comes a point however, that one should
evaluate whether or not their quest for more is based on greed, envy or need.
When we pursue things for the sake of “having” them, we step
into an area that companions itself to the sin nature. Our state of mind changes and we become
unsettled, not content, which is the opposite of what Christ wants for His
church. If we are driven by money or the
things it can buy, there is never a time when we will be satisfied.
Families who struggle with their finances may do so for
various reasons. Let it be said though
that not only those who seek the nicer things of life wrestle with living
contented. Studies have shown that those
who have more than enough are less content than those who have little when it
comes to material things.
What about my desires?
After I read through all those passages the Lord led me to read Psalm 37. I questioned it, and again the scripture was giving. In my head I was thinking of Psalm 35 …
“Let them be ashamed and brought to mutual confusion. Who rejoice at
my hurt (in my difficulties); Let them be clothed with shame and dishonor who
exalt themselves against me.
Let them shout for joy and be glad, who favor my righteous cause;
and let them say continually, let the LORD be magnified, who has pleasure in
the prosperity of His servant. And my tongue shall speak of Your
Righteousness and of Your praise all the day.” (Psalm 35:26-28 NKJV)
This is what calmed my spirit when it came to my thoughts being hijacked concerning living content in my circumstances.
“Do not fret because of evildoers, nor be envious of the workers of
iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the
green herb.
Trust in the LORD, and do good; dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself also in the LORD, and He
shall give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the LORD, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to
pass. (Psalm 37:3-5 NKJV)
God knows how I feel about Him, and understands the desires of my heart. He put those dreams and passions in me for His glory. They will work together for my good, according to His plan for my life when I commit my life to Him.
I don’t have to feel ashamed for wanting things to be better in my life, but will trust Him to bring them to pass in His way and timing.
God isn’t the thief of your contentment.
Our living a contented life has everything to do with the relationship we have with Jesus, which includes how we view wealth. It isn’t wrong to have a desire for nicer things, a better marriage, job or future as long as it is in balance with what God has in store for you.
We don’t get to set the balance bar; God has already done that through Christ Jesus and it’s higher than we could set for ourselves. After all, He is the One who died that we might have life more abundantly spiritually, physically, emotionally and yes, even materially.
“The thief (satan and his workers of iniquity) comes to steal, kill and
destroy. I (Jesus) have come that they may have life, and that they may have it
more abundantly.” (from John 10:10)The devil wants us to get side tracked when it comes to seeking God. He also wants us to believe that more is better, so we have to commit our ways to things and not to Jesus. If we follow that path it will ultimately destroy us, kill relationships and steal anything meaningful in our lives.
When we pursue Christ and not riches, we will find that our contentment lies in Him and not the things of this world. We’ll learn to be satisfied in whatever our state, even while waiting for the things we desire in our hearts.
This Week’s Challenge:
Balancing Our Heart
Are you one of those people who are always looking for
something different than what you have?
If so, then this challenge is for you.
God doesn’t want you to live a life of discontentment or discouragement,
but one that is full of His peace.
Learning how to live contented in our spirit comes with
spending time with the Lord. When we
fellowship with the KING of Kings, things look differently and we approach life
in a whole new way.
Instead of focusing on the things of this world, we start
to live a life of joy, always being mindful of Father God, and begin thanking
Him for the blessings and favor He has shown us. Our hearts become more teachable and grateful
(for what we have at our disposal and this time).
“Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Give thanks no
matter what happens. God wants you to thank Him, because you believe in Christ
Jesus.” (from 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
Our challenge this week will require asking the Lord what
He wants us to learn about the life we are living right now. What mindset do we have when it comes to
being content? What is our definition
and what is God’s? Do they match? If not, we’re the ones who have to change.
Whether you realize it or not, God wants you to have a
fulfilling life that isn’t always looking at the other side of the fence. Whatever you are experiencing, God has given you the
strength to “hold on” through Christ Jesus.
You can do all things through Him, and that may mean waiting a little
longer.
Look to Jesus to replace the dissatisfaction and
discontentment you are now facing. Stop
looking for a way out as the road you need to take. If your marriage isn’t the best and you’re
about to end it … don’t. Maybe you’re
about to quit your job or bail on a partner in business, hold on a bit longer.
You’ve been waiting for that new car, family or dream home,
and are about to give up on hoping. Keep
"doing good", while hoping for whatever it is.
Believe God will give you the desires of your heart, but
at this time He is doing something else in your life. Don’t look at it as if you are giving up
something, but look for the greater need.
You will never be disappointed when God is in control of
the “Balance Bar of Contentment” in your heart and life. His grace is enough to carry you though. He is faithful to His Word and promises.
Believe Him.
Your Grace is Enough by Chris Tomlin
Until next
time, seek the favor of God’s grace!
“I will favor you with My grace.”
Jesus Christ
Note:
The words satan or devil are not capitalized deliberately, because we give him
no place in our lives.
Disclaimer:
Article information is not meant to be used as treatment for mental or physical
issues, but geared toward spiritual awareness.
What’s New This
Week: Click on links below.
I'm Happy for You (Sort Of...Not Really):
Finding Contentment in a Culture of
Comparison
by Kay Wills Wyma
Buy it on Amazon or Christian Book
Maybe you don’t know the Living God that I
know, but would like to have this kind of favor in your life also. Click on the above tab “Tell Me About Jesus” for more
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Content and Image Copyright from Favored1. Do not copy.
Scripture
reference was taken from the New King James Bible Version provided by Bible Gateway.Image credit: Google Images or Dreamstime Creative Common License if not specified.
Chip Ingram quote 6/13/14 article The Secret to Being Content
Image: Neighbor's Doormat Studying the Bible Bob Blackley Thief Cartoon
Disclaimer Notes: Results may vary due to lack of belief.