“…be content with whatever you have…” – Hebrews 13:5 (NIV)
In my early childhood days, I can recall several occasions when my late mother took the opportunity to encourage me and my siblings to always be content with what we have; and then in later years, I often heard the words, “Godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Timothy 6:6) being repeated like a mantra.
Fast forward to my adult years, and now, being armed with new understanding through the help of the Holy Spirit, I will be forever grateful to my mother for instilling that principle in us, as I have found that contentment truly brings peace and satisfaction in one’s life. We are encouraged by the Apostle Paul in Philippians 4:11-13 to be content in all circumstances, in times of plenty and in times of lack. Like joy in a Christian’s life, contentment does not depend on external circumstances but, rather, is rooted in a deep trust in God’s provision and ability to turn things around. Contentment, therefore, is not simply about settling for what we have or being resigned to our fate; it is trusting in what God has said in His Word! Job’s response to loss and Mary’s acceptance of God’s will come to mind.
Job experienced profound suffering, losing his wealth, health, and family. Despite his immense grief and pain, Job maintained his faith in God. His response was, “…the Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised” Job 1:21 (NIV). This demonstrates a deep sense of contentment; even in the midst of his unimaginable loss, his faith was grounded in God’s sovereignty.
When the angel Gabriel announced to Mary that she would give birth to Jesus, she was initially troubled. However, she ultimately responded with contentment and submission to God’s will and said in Luke 1:38 (NIV), “I am the Lord’s servant… May your word to me be fulfilled.” Mary’s contentment was evident in her willingness to accept God’s plan for her life, even though it was unexpected and very challenging.
In Hebrews 13:5, we are advised to live a life free from the love of money and to be happy with what we have. The verse basically reminds persons that God’s presence and provision are sufficient for all of our needs, and it also gives us the comforting promise that God will never abandon or forsake us.
The Bible basically teaches that contentment is found not in the fleeting luxuries of this life but rather in God’s faithfulness and unwavering love. Preacher Charles Spurgeon asked the question, “Will not the distresses of life and the pangs of death, will not the internal corruptions and the external snares, will not the trials from above and the temptations from beneath all seem but light afflictions when we can hide ourselves beneath the bulwark of “He has said…”?”
May we all come to the realisation that true contentment comes from understanding that the real values in life are not things we can buy with money or achieve based on our actions or status in life, but rather our relationship with God and our dedication to leading a godly life.
Read: Matthew 5:6; 2 Corinthians 12:9-19
Bible Reading Guide: Proverbs 20:25-30; Proverbs 21:1-4; 1 Corinthians 15:50-58; 1 Corinthians 16:1-4; 2 Chronicles 21:4-20; 2 Chronicles 22; 2 Chronicles 23
