American cartoonist, Doug Larson once stated:
The world is full of people looking for spectacular happiness while they snub contentment.
Sad to admit, but this may hold true for those fully embedded in Westernized/Americanized Christianity as well. English Christian apologist, writer, and philosopher, Gilbert K. Chesterton (1874 –1936) who said,
Christianity has not been tried and found wanting; it has been found difficult and not tried.
He also made this comment:
True contentment is a thing as active as agriculture. It is the power of getting out of any situation all that there is in it. It is arduous and it is rare.
Perhaps one with that understanding and experience can copiously grasp and fully comprehend I Timothy 6:6-8:
But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment. For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content.
These verses demand believers to take notice, evaluate, and practically, as well as philosophically implement. “With these” … with what? … “we (believers) shall be content!”
Contextually speaking, one finds this admonition buried in a dissertation from the Apostle Paul to his “son in the faith,” young Pastor Timothy, concerning false teachers in Ephesus. They possessed and demonstrated inflated egos, they understood nothing, stirred up controversies and were teaching false doctrine as well as the theory that becoming a Christian was an ideal step and/or means to financial gain. (See Ephesians 6:3-5) By using the words “godliness” and “gain,” Paul shifts the concept from erroneous to truthful. Being godly does not guarantee financial gain; however, godliness in itself is tremendous gain when accompanied or joined together with the spiritual attribute of contentment.
The word contentment, as used in the above-referenced passage, is derived from the Greek word “autarkeia” which means to have satisfaction or competency–the exact opposite meaning of that found in the lyrics of a popular 1965 tune by the Rolling Stones from their “Out Of Our Heads” album. Is it possible for humanity to find true satisfaction and/or contentment from/through any activity, experience, or possession? The Stones were obviously convinced, even though that philosophy didn’t seem to stop them from trying to find it through the exact same experiences they so meticulously critiqued.
Paul’s instruction to Pastor Tim provides encouragement for all faithful followers of Jesus Christ to simply, commendably, and meritoriously “be content” (See I Timothy 6:8)! At first glance, this appears to be an external (perhaps emotional) expression of “satisfaction” or “contentment.” However, through spiritually-minded philosophical reflection, this radical demand becomes a stalwart admonition for the Lord’s true disciples.
This instruction works perfectly in conjunction and congruent with Hebrews 13:5-6,
Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, ‘I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU,’ so that we confidently say, ‘THE LORD IS MY HELPER, I WILL NOT BE AFRAID. WHAT WILL MAN DO TO ME?’
In essence, is what one has (in Christ, and as a faithful follower of Christ–recognizing His provision) enough?
All of You is more than enough for all of me
For every thirst and every need
You satisfy me with Your love
And all I have in You is more than enough
— From Enough by Chris Tomlin
Really! Is one fully satisfied–content in Christ and His provision? Perhaps one’s life answers more clearly than the words one sings. Are hearts shaped in such a way that one longs for the things of God, but never finds complete satisfaction and contentment?
Is Jesus really enough?
Does one require outside elements (sometimes even selected with great discretion) to be mixed into one’s Christian faith in order to raise contentment and satisfaction levels? The previously mentioned 60’s rock song declares, “I can’t get no satisfaction.” How many individuals who call themselves Christians have come to that same conclusion and look for something other than God’s Truth, God’s call, and God’s purposes to fill their lives with meaning and purpose? These souls often say things like, “Well I tried the religious thing, just didn’t work for me” or “I formerly believed all that stuff, but I’ve moved on … gave it up, etc.” Obviously, there was an extreme lack of contentment and satisfaction. Perhaps that was even coupled with some unfulfilled and/or even improper expectations? Consider Philippians 4:11-13:
Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
Now, there’s some contentment! In all reality, isn’t the Lord asking all of us to move into a similar position? However, this all begins by accepting our Lord’s call to godliness, not gain!
Over almost 40 years of ministry, I’ve learned that people who are satisfied and content with the Lord’s provision live freer lives, enjoy what they have, and give much more to the Lord’s work than those who are without contentment. Why? Because as they continually surrender to Christ-likeness, they live godly and according to scripture. That’s an incredible “means to great gain when accompanied by contentment.”
Perhaps this year’s Thanksgiving celebrations (and even the entire holiday season) should become focused on contentment and satisfaction offered to believers through our relationship with Jesus Christ. Isn’t it time to set aside childish things and grow on up into “contentment?” Godliness and satisfaction are actually twins!
Now, don’t just think about it!
–Pastor Frank