Contentment (Part I)

Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: Hebrews 4:11

Contentment is not a natural state but a supernatural one. Paul tells us that he had learned to be content; he had to work on developing contentment in his life.

Jesus did the work of Salvation on the cross, and we receive it as a free gift when we believe and respond to him. However, contentment is part of the sanctifying work of God in our lives. The system of this world and our old nature are bent on lack and dissatisfaction. We learn to grow in contentment by renewing our minds, reevaluating our value system, and reprioritizing what is important.

How do we learn to be content? What are the elements that lead us in that direction? This is the subject of the next few devotionals. 

Contentment (According to Strong’s in Hebrew 2974): to begin, make a beginning, show willingness, undertake to do, be pleased, be determined, to resolve, to agree to, and to accept an invitation.

The above definition paints a picture of a person who is soft, pliable, interested, and on point. The more we are willing to stay flexible in life, the easier it is for us to be content. Staying soft and pliable affects the quality of our relationships and allows us not to be in continual contention or disagreement. People who are flexible have learned to pick their battles carefully. These individuals are also decisive and focused individuals who know what is really important in life. 

Paul was a man passionate for Christ, but there were many things that were immaterial to him because  his focus was the Kingdom not his own wants or desires. He refused to compromise when it came to sharing Christ with others. On the other hand, when faced with where he was going to sleep or what he was going to eat, it did not matter to him.

We are blessed with so many options in the US, that sometimes it causes us to be very particular about everything including the type of coffee we drink and its right temperature. While this doesn’t sound like a big deal, all of these little things become conditions for contentment. They distract us and take away our focus from what is really important.

Are you majoring on the majors rather than being distracted by the minor things in life?