Be Content

 

It doesn’t take much to make our cat happy. A little tuna in the dish, a few scratches behind the ears,  some pets and tummy rubs, and Shadow is one contented kitty. Unfortunately, that contentment doesn’t last for long. Pretty soon after we stop, he wants more.

 

We live in a society that discourages contentment, that tells us we need more and should want more. We are bombarded with ads to buy something newer, bigger, or better. We are pushed to the limits of what we can afford, and beyond. We are encouraged to be “successful”, even if that success is achieved at the expense of those around us.

 

Most of us probably don’t give much thought to how important contentment is. If you’re content, the likelihood is that you are happy and at peace. It is discontent with our current situation that tends to rob us of our peace and joy.  

 

Paul wrote to the Philippians, “I have learned the secret of being content in every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength” (Phil 4:12-13). He also advised Timothy, “Godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction” (1 Tim 6:6-9).

 

How can we be more content? Emphasize the positive in our lives, accepting and being thankful for all that God has given us while worrying less about what we want and don’t have. Practice an “attitude of gratitude”, remembering that all we have is a gift from God.  Evaluate everything from the perspective of whether it will help you in your spiritual walk, whether it will draw you closer to or farther from God and His will for you.

 

As the author of Hebrews tells us, “Be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you’ “ (Hebrews 13:5).  God is sufficient for us.

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The individual posts in this blog have been collected into a book, Reflections From the Basic Truths Blog.  It is available for free as an ebook through Barnes and Noble, https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/reflections-from-the-basic-truths-blog-james-yarmchuk/1147055811?ean=2940181202702, Apple Books, and multiple other book websites. It is available for a minimal charge on Amazon and can also be purchased as a paperback through them.