In The Master's Service

LEARN TO BE CONTENT

Elder Wayne Crocker

To be content, is one of the most laudable personal goals one can hope to achieve. The primary meaning of the word is to be satisfied with what one is or has. The Bible teaches us to be content.

But our human nature leads us to be dissatisfied and to covet that which we don't have or need. Covetousness will cause one to be envious of the prosperity of others and will even lead one to desire what belongs to them. When not restrained, covetousness brings about all kinds of dishonesty, including lying, stealing, robbing, and even murder! Other vices such as gambling are also the result of covetousness.

I trust that none of us will allow our discontentment to lead us into such grievous sins. In fact, I would hope that few Christians would even be tempted to outright steal, rob or murder. However, there are subtle areas in the matter of honesty versus dishonesty into which many God-fearing people do fall from time to time. Failing to report non-traceable taxable income on one's tax return, or failing to reveal a hidden defect in an item being sold are just two of many things that people may be tempted to do while persuading themselves that they have done nothing wrong.

A person can be discontent without being covetous. But it will be difficult to be discontent and to be as thankful as we should at the same time.

Contentment may seem to come natural to some people. No doubt, some are more inclined to be content than others. However, the scriptures tell us that we are to put forth an effort to be content. Paul had some unmet needs but he did not let that prevent him from being thankful and content. He wrote to the Philippians regarding how they had again taken care of some of his needs: "Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content" (Philippians 4:11). Apparently Paul, like us, had not always been contented with his lot. But, by God's grace, he had learned contentment.

When the Bible speaks of being content, it does not mean that one is to go through life unconcerned about problems, injustices, and making provisions for the future. Perhaps we would be inclined to picture contentment as being a person sitting on his front porch, whittling away, living on welfare without a care in the world. Proverbs in many places condemns a lazy, slothful lifestyle (Proverbs 6:6-11, 10:4-5, 19:15, 20:4, etc.).

A child of God must be active in order to be content. He will not be satisfied when there are things that need to be done while he is idle, not lifting a hand to attend to the matter at hand. However, in learning to be content, he will come to realize that he has limitations. At the end of a good day's work, regardless of how much work remains to be done, he can be satisfied with what was accomplished, rest from his labor and be content in knowing that the Lord, according to His will, may bless him to continue tomorrow.

Usually for a person to be truly contented he must have some leisure time for rest, prayer, Bible study, meditation, fellowship with others, and recreation. Jesus told the busy disciples: "Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while; for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat" (Mark 6:31). The workaholic should carefully consider these words of Jesus. At times there are things more important than work. Remember the account of Martha and Mary in Luke 10:38-42.

There are some that equate monetary gain with godliness (I Timothy 6:5). "But godliness with contentment is great gain. 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" (I Timothy 6:6-8). Jesus taught the same lesson in Matthew 6:24-34. Finally, in Hebrews 13:5, we are told: "Let your conversation (manner of life, w.c.) be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” Why should we not be content, if we truly believe this promise of God?

Even in the most adverse circumstances, a Christian can experience a great degree of contentment. Initially, Paul was not too contented with the thorn in the flesh because he prayed three times that the Lord would remove it (II Corinthians 12:7-8). And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me" (II Corinthians 12:9). In the next verse we find that Paul learned to be content in this matter, even taking pleasure in his afflictions.

Many young people have a battle to be content with their situation in life. Some find great dissatisfaction with their physical appearance, their IQ, their lack of popularity, difficulty in finding a suitable boyfriend or girlfriend, etc. Many times they are apprehensive about their future in regard to a suitable occupation. They question whether or not they will be blessed to be married and have a family, etc. If they are trying to live a God-honoring, Christian life they may be troubled because of being shunned by many of their peers.

In spite of all these difficulties, young people can learn to be content. They can be thankful that the Lord has blessed them with whatever they have and realize that it is only through His mercy and grace that things are as well as they are. They can pray that the Lord will give them strength to face what the future brings, knowing that in His providence He will see them through.

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart: and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths" (Proverbs 3:5-6). "Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you" (I Peter 5:6-7).

If we would be content, we must ask the Lord to help us to be concerned without worrying. Help us, Lord, to do our best, and trust in Thee, realizing that Thy word tells us "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not" (Galatians 6:9).

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