In a world of discontent is it possible to truly be contented? Is my life characterized by contentment? Do I even really know what contentment is?
In commenting on the wonderful verses from 1 Timothy 6 that speak of godliness with contentment being great gain, David Guzik has said the following. “Godliness really can bring almost unbelievable contentment; but before it can, we must be transformed by the renewing of your mind (Rom 12:2) - to start putting material things in their proper priority next to spiritual things.
i. It’s easy for many Christians to say they have this contentment; but whether they have it or not is often more truthfully known by they spending and shopping habits. How much of a place does shopping and buying have in your life? How does material loss affect your happiness? How happy do you get from having some material thing?
ii. When we live and act without contentment, we are trying to fill needs in our lives - a need to be “somebody,” a need to feel secure or cared for, a need to have excitement and newness in our lives - most people try to fulfill these needs with material things, but they can only really be met by a spiritual relationship with the God who made us.
iii. Real contentment isn’t too difficult for those whose real home is heaven. “It requires but little of this world’s goods to satisfy a man who feels himself to be a citizen of another country, and knows that this is not his rest.” (Clarke)” end of Guzik quote
Point iii crowns his argument with the greatest of thoughts concerning contentment. Just now as our dear friend Karman Storset awaits his “Welcome Home” from God we witness a perfect example of a life humbly lived for God and a heart that looked forward to real life in Heaven. Just last Wednesday when Mark and I visited Karman he exhibited such a calm spirit concerning life and death. His confidence completely rests in God.
I am looking forward to seeing you tomorrow morning at ladies Bible study as we discuss and encourage one another concerning contentment.