CONTENTMENT!!..Even the word itself
brings a peace to one's heart and mind. We know many in the world are
searching for that which would satisfy. Godly contentment is satisfaction.
Contentment is rest or quietness of the mind in one's present condition;
satisfaction which holds the mind in peace, restraining complaint,
opposition or further desire.
Just what brings godly contentment? 1 Tim 6:3-6..."If
any man teach otherwise and consent not to wholesome words, even the words
of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to
godliness; He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about question and
strife of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmissings,
perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth,
supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. But
godliness with contentment is great gain."
We see Paul refers to gain, godliness and contentment.
Those that are destitute of the truth think gain is godliness. Have
you ever heard someone mentioned that because everything was going for
well them that they "must be living right"? But Paul says gain
is "godliness with contentment." In other words, real gain comes
when a person is saved from sin, living a godly life which brings real
contentment.
In verses 7 & 8 of 1 Tim 6 we find, "For we
brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing
out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content." Few
have been the people who have found the real truth in this. Many have
ruined their happiness striving for things which will one day be utterly
destroyed-things which they cannot take with them when they die. Only our
soul is eternal. True contentment comes through a soul satisfied in Jesus.
Being content in salvation is a wonderful blessing. No
longer does the soul crave for fullfilment; the restlessness is gone and
in its place is a deep settled satisfaction. The desire and drive for sin
and its short lived pleasures is completely gone. Godly contentment has no
need for complaining, for the soul is satisfied and happy.
There are types of contentment that are not good. The lazy
person who is content in letting everyone else do the work does not
possess godly contentment. That one who has no desire for improvement or
to gain understanding in their life, but only drifting aimlessly along
does not possess godly contentment. For every good thing God has, the
devil has a counterfeit which could appear good, but inside is full of
rottenness. Seeking after God and more of His likeness is his will; but
seeking to better one's self for personal or fleshly gain is a
counterfeit. Hungering and thirsting for righteousness is God given; but
hungering and thirsting after worldly pleasure and praise is the
counterfeit.
One reason for the world's restlessness is a lack of godly
contentment in the home. Men and women wrongly think that "gain is
godliness" or that possessions, money and fame will bring real
satisfaction. But God's word says that is not so. Thank God, one can
report real victory and contentment in a home where each member is in
their God given place. God never intended a woman with a husband to care
for her to be the "bread winner" of the family. No, He doesn't
even want her to be a "co-bread winner". God has a beautiful and
wonderfully fulfilling place for a woman and that is in her place in the
home.
In today's perverted society, godly contentment in being a
housewife and homemaker is an even grater blessing. There is no longing in
the heart of a godly contented woman to go out and make the "big
bucks" or a name for herself in the professional world, for she finds
true satisfaction in making her home a happy place for her husband and
children. She is in a position where God can use her to be of help to
others in need, possibly a friend or neighbor who has been sick and needs
someone to help share the load. Being there to clean and kiss the scrape
on their child's knee or listen while they share their heartaches is worth
more than any amount of money and prestige a professional job could ever
give, for she is training and molding the character of a precious soul.
The heart of a godly-contented husband is satisfied with
providing for his family and meeting their needs. He does not needle his
wife to join the work force and make a name for herself, Nor does she
needle and push her husband to work long hours just to provide her with
the "pretties" which their two-income neighbors might possess.
If we follow God and His way, we will find real meaning in
Heb 13:5-6..."Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be
content with such things as ye have; for he hath said, I will never leave
thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper
and I will not fear what man shall do unto me." We know that in a
moment of time, people have been made destitute, while others have been
made millionaires. The material things which one possesses can be
destroyed or built up. We dare not find our contentment in these. But the
love of God shall endure throughout eternity. While friends or family
could forsake us, we have Jesus promise that he never will. Only our
unfaithfulness to Him will break that bond of perfectness. Nothing but
perfect salvation brings true contentment to a soul.
Discontentment can be used by God to draw one closer to
Him. Some may be discontent in their "religious realm". God has
a place, a people and an experience where you can have the wonderful
blessing of godly contentment. Skies may not always be blue and storm
clouds will arise to block out the sunshine, but there will be a deep,
settled peace in your life that nothing can destroy. Destruction only
comes when we turn away from God and His word, choosing to walk the
path of sin. Yes, righteousness brings contentment, so that we too can say
as Paul said, "Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have
learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be
content."...Philippians 4:11. DO YOU POSSESS REAL GODLY CONTENTMENT?