LIFESTYLE OF CONTENTMENT (1)

“Now godliness with CONTENTMENT is great gain” – 1 Timothy 6:6

A LIFESTYLE of CONTENTMENT is invaluable for God-glorifying IMPACT: “Now godliness with CONTENTMENT is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content” (1 Tim.6:6-8). A lifestyle of contentment, as seen through the lens of scripture, emphasizes finding satisfaction in God's provision and esteeming godliness. It's not about complacency or lack of passion; rather it is about deep-seated joy and peace that come from recognizing and appreciating God's blessings, while pursuing one's goals with integrity.

CONTENTMENT is not necessarily getting what you want but being satisfied with what you have; a virtue that comes with great gain. True wealth lies not in possessions but in a spirit of contentment, which allows one to be satisfied with what one has, recognizing that material things are temporary. Fulfilment comes from a life of godliness and contentment, not from the accumulation of material possessions. That we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out reminds us of the temporary nature of worldly possessions and that our focus should be on the spiritual rather than material wealth (Col.3: 1-2).

The core Principles of Contentment include: Gratitude for provision; Internal Peace; and Godliness as foundation. Contentment involves recognizing and appreciating all that God provides, both material and spiritual. Contentment is an internal state of being, a choice to find joy and satisfaction in despite one's circumstances, rather than relying on external factors for happiness. True contentment is rooted in a relationship with God and a commitment to living a godly life – Godliness is the foundation! However, Contentment is not Complacency.  It's not about passively accepting a lack of progress or advancement.

Contentment is about finding fulfillment in the present while pursuing goals with diligence and integrity. By embracing godliness and contentment, we can experience a life of true fulfillment and make a positive impact on the world around us, rather than being consumed by the pursuit of affluence and material wealth. Contentment is however, not a stoic indifference to needs, but rather a state of satisfaction rooted in God's sufficiency and care. It is knowing that all good things come from the same Source and His supply never runs out (Jam.1:17). Everything we need is inside of God. All that we’ll ever desire is in Christ.

Let’s ask ourselves: Am I spending the best of my times on the fringes of faith? Am I lustfully longing after worldly things that could harm me? Am I wasting energy in pursuit of what I don’t need and shouldn’t have? Am I ignoring God’s plentiful provision because I imagine that something just before my reach is better? To be rich in God is far better than to be rich in gold!