Content: 1. Desiring no more than what one has; satisfied. 2. Ready to accept or acquiesce; willing
But 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. (1 Timothy 6:6-8)
The other night I attended a meeting at a fellow church member’s house. The hospitality was warm and inviting. The decor was lovely and from around the globe. The size … well, let’s just say you could fit my entire apartment in their living room and kitchen.
When this fruitful meeting was over, I drove back to my humble home, and felt plagued by a nagging sense of lack. This space that had seemed so secure and cozy and delightfully mine just hours before suddenly felt different. I knew it was silly and shallow, but I still felt a bit discontent.
And then I remembered the words of one of the students in an English as a Second Language class I’d volunteered with years earlier. When this refugee discovered I lived alone in a nearby apartment, he blurted, “You have an entire apartment all to yourself?”
I was humbled then. And I was again on remembering his words. I’m not a have-not; I’m a have, I told myself. My basic human needs are more than met. I’m blessed. I have every reason to be grateful.
And content.
But it’s hard to hang onto that perspective when you see others who have more. When you watch commercials that can make you feel incomplete without the latest toothpaste or SUV. When you lose a job and your notion of “enough” is challenged.
Thankfully, the Bible helps us right our perspective—with the 1 Timothy passage above, with Paul’s inspiring words about contentment in Philippians 4:12, with the reminder in Matthew 6:25-34 that life is about so much more than “stuff.”
Here are some other ways to cultivate contentment:
1. Read the passages listed in the paragraph above. Make a list of what you learn about the keys to and rewards of contentment.
2. For a reminder of all the ways you’ve been blessed, make a list of 50 things in your life for which you’re grateful.
3. When we’re content with what we have, we’re freed up to give to others. Clean out a drawer or a closet or your food pantry this week, gather items you don’t need, and give them to a local shelter.
4. Post the word contentment or one of the verses listed above in a place where you’re often tempted to feel discontent: on the dashboard of your older car, near your television or computer, in your closet.
5. Think of contentment-stealers in your life—such as television or fashion magazines—and choose to eliminate some of these things from your life.
6. Ask God to forgive you of any discontent that’s been plaguing you. And ask him to fill you instead with a contented and grateful heart.
7. If you’re dealing with serious lack in your life—losing a home, facing a serious health threat, mourning a loved one’s passing—ask a trusted Christian friend, a pastor, or a counselor to pray with you, walk with you, and help you find the peace that passes all understanding.
8. For more insights on contentment, read: “Living on Less—and Loving It” and “An Attitude of Gratitude.”
Share ways you cultivate contentment.
From http://www.christianitytoday.com/tcw/ :-)
But 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. (1 Timothy 6:6-8)
The other night I attended a meeting at a fellow church member’s house. The hospitality was warm and inviting. The decor was lovely and from around the globe. The size … well, let’s just say you could fit my entire apartment in their living room and kitchen.
When this fruitful meeting was over, I drove back to my humble home, and felt plagued by a nagging sense of lack. This space that had seemed so secure and cozy and delightfully mine just hours before suddenly felt different. I knew it was silly and shallow, but I still felt a bit discontent.
And then I remembered the words of one of the students in an English as a Second Language class I’d volunteered with years earlier. When this refugee discovered I lived alone in a nearby apartment, he blurted, “You have an entire apartment all to yourself?”
I was humbled then. And I was again on remembering his words. I’m not a have-not; I’m a have, I told myself. My basic human needs are more than met. I’m blessed. I have every reason to be grateful.
And content.
But it’s hard to hang onto that perspective when you see others who have more. When you watch commercials that can make you feel incomplete without the latest toothpaste or SUV. When you lose a job and your notion of “enough” is challenged.
Thankfully, the Bible helps us right our perspective—with the 1 Timothy passage above, with Paul’s inspiring words about contentment in Philippians 4:12, with the reminder in Matthew 6:25-34 that life is about so much more than “stuff.”
Here are some other ways to cultivate contentment:
1. Read the passages listed in the paragraph above. Make a list of what you learn about the keys to and rewards of contentment.
2. For a reminder of all the ways you’ve been blessed, make a list of 50 things in your life for which you’re grateful.
3. When we’re content with what we have, we’re freed up to give to others. Clean out a drawer or a closet or your food pantry this week, gather items you don’t need, and give them to a local shelter.
4. Post the word contentment or one of the verses listed above in a place where you’re often tempted to feel discontent: on the dashboard of your older car, near your television or computer, in your closet.
5. Think of contentment-stealers in your life—such as television or fashion magazines—and choose to eliminate some of these things from your life.
6. Ask God to forgive you of any discontent that’s been plaguing you. And ask him to fill you instead with a contented and grateful heart.
7. If you’re dealing with serious lack in your life—losing a home, facing a serious health threat, mourning a loved one’s passing—ask a trusted Christian friend, a pastor, or a counselor to pray with you, walk with you, and help you find the peace that passes all understanding.
8. For more insights on contentment, read: “Living on Less—and Loving It” and “An Attitude of Gratitude.”
Share ways you cultivate contentment.
From http://www.christianitytoday.com/tcw/ :-)
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