Posts: Contentment

Contentment

“It is enough for a disciple that he be like his teacher, and a servant like his master.” (Matthew 10:25) Most parents or teachers want their children or students to excel beyond themselves. Jesus’ point is not to caution against surpassing the teacher, but to expect the same treatment as the teacher or master. In difficult times, be content in the knowledge that Jesus’ earthly life was difficult, yet His life was a success.

In the parable of the ten virgins, five prepared for a potential delay while five did not. (Matthew 23:1 – 13) When the bridegroom finally arrived after an unforeseen delay, the unprepared scrambled to find oil for their lamps, which made them late so they were excluded from the party. Jesus included a clever pun in the story. To have enough and to be content were the same Greek word. In addition to His point that we must be prepared for the last day because we do not know when it might come, through the pun Jesus included the thought that the key to contentment is preparation.

“Likewise the soldiers asked him [John the Baptist], saying, ‘What shall we do?’ So he said to them, ‘Do not intimidate anyone or accuse falsely, and be content with your wages.’” (Luke 3:14) As in most of the world today, the salaries of soldiers were less than the cost of living. When battles were concluded, the soldiers were “paid” by gathering the spoils of war. So, historically and in Third World countries presently, soldiers in peacetime supplement their meager incomes through extortion. Contentment prevents flimsy excuses for bad behavior.

“Philip answered Him, ‘Two hundred denarii worth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may have a little.’ (John 6:7) Andrew did a little better by bringing a boy who had five barley loaves and two fish, and some doubts, from which Jesus fed over 5000. “Sufficiency” and “contentment” were the literal and figurative meanings of the same word. As with them, we tend to lack contentment because we measure sufficiency using natural methods and, when we peek into the unseen, bring along a basket of doubts. Jesus’ way produced leftovers.

“Philip said to Him, ‘Lord, show us the Father, and it is sufficient for us.’” (John 14:8) Do the faithful settle for too little? Philip was confused and frightened by Jesus’ statements, so he was more than willing to be content with what he thought would be enough. The faithful are promised understanding and wisdom, among many other things, that are well beyond human ability. Contentment cannot be found in the hem of the garment, but the whole. Certainly, God promised that the faithful would accomplish things for which they have no skills, and that is scary. Contentment is on the other side of that fear.

“And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:8) “Sufficiency” is used literally and figuratively at the same time. The faithful will be content with and have enough money for every good work. One depends on the other. If we do not trust the promise of abundant funds for every good work, we will never be content.

“And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’” (2 Corinthians 12:9) In this example, Paul became content with his health problems and persecutions because, in his times of weakness, the power of God to overcome them became evident to outsiders. Paul was certain that all would work out for the advancement of the kingdom not because God is powerful, but because He is gracious: kind, gentle, concerned, patient…

“Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content.” (Philippians 4:11) Neither poverty nor wealth defines a person. Neither condition is more noble. Neither condition advances the kingdom more. Paul was content either way. When others participated in his work by sending money, he was grateful for the benefit accrued to the giver (v 17). How many American Christians would continue to serve under Third World conditions?

“Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.” (1 Timothy 6:6 – 8) Godliness (God-likeness, having the personality traits of God) without contentment, Paul continues, leads to failure. Being content with minimal creature comforts leaves room for the surpassing value of a big family composed of loving and trusting spirits.

“Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’” (Hebrews 13:5) Contentment is based on the promises and faithfulness of God, rather than an arbitrarily acceptable, always shifting standard of living. The real question is whether one’s connection with God has tangible perceived value.

“For we have spent enough of our past time in doing the will of the Gentiles.” (1 Peter 4:3) “Enough” is the same word as “contentment.” Be content that you haven’t missed anything by no longer trying to fit in with the outside world. Is contentment a desirable goal, or do we rather crave approval in a world of shifting values? How long will we seek to blend in until we recognize that it does not work?