"Contentment"
“Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.” (Philippians 4:11 ESV) Do you seek contentment but find it elusive? Be encouraged. Even the apostle Paul realized that being content was something he had to learn. We live in a covetous culture; genuine contentment is rare. While you do not have everything you want, nothing can give you joy like knowing that you have everything you need. To learn true biblical contentment (“in whatever situation”) make note of these three choices: |
- Seek it. Contentment is a lifestyle. Choose it. Acknowledge that you would not be happier if you had more --- in truth, you would likely be more miserable. God’s Word has clear warnings for us: “But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction” (1 Timothy 6:9). Put otherwise, more does not mean happier!
- Say it. Learn how to say, “I have enough.” When you handle money --- an unexpected bonus from work, a gift from a relative --- resist the craving to have more. Follow the words, “I have enough” with the prayer: “Lord, how can I use this for You?” Make the decision to trust God’s provision and say, “I have enough.”
- Settle it. Psalm 62:10 counsels like this,“If riches increase, set not your heart on them.” Here is the challenge: choose a lifestyle; do not let your income dictate your lifestyle. Identify a comfortable level of living that meets your needs, and do not compromise that when more income arrives. If you do not choose a lifestyle, the culture will choose one for you. Choose a lifestyle that is biblically based; eternally focused; and others-oriented.
Because He Lives,
Pastor Dave
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