“But godliness with contentment is great gain.” – 1 Timothy 6:6 (NIV)
The noun “discontentment” is defined by the Oxford Dictionary as ‘dissatisfaction and restlessness’, while the word “contentment” means ‘happy and satisfied’. Beloved, the Holy Bible contains many accounts of God’s people who allowed the lust of discontentment to have dominion over their lives, which resulted in the release of curses upon their lives and, consequently, their downfall.
In the Book of Genesis 3:1-7, Eve yielded to temptation – to the lust of the eyes, for she saw that the fruit was good to look at. She then moved to the lust of the flesh, for it looked as though it would taste good; then on to the pride of life, for she would be like God, knowing both good and evil. Both she and Adam yielded to the temptation of the serpent, resulting in their downfall.
Prior to their fall from grace, both Adam and Eve were recipients of God’s provision, protection, peace, and prosperity. The Bible records that God would also come and enjoy fellowship with them in the Garden of Eden. However, their discontentment breathed the act of disobedience, which resulted in them being outcasts who are shrouded with personal and generational curses to this day. We are born in sin and shaped in iniquity. God, however, sent the second Adam, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour, to redeem us on the cross of Calvary.
King Saul’s acts of disobedience caused God to reject him as king over His people. In the biblical account (1 Samuel 15), Saul was given clear instructions to utterly destroy the Amalekites and their livestock. He spared their king and the best of the livestock. Partial obedience is disobedience – a subset of discontentment.
Additionally, 2 Samuel 11-19 is indeed replete with the repercussions of those who, despite their acquisition of wealth and power, were discontented, resulting in them reaping the consequences of their folly.
- King David committed adultery and devised an assassination plot.
- King David’s son, Ammon, raped his sister, Tamar.
- His son Absalom killed his brother Ammon.
- Absalom attempted to overthrow David (his father) as King.
Beloved, be wary not to harbour any thoughts of discontentment, for biblical evidence has revealed that it will only lead to evil and consequent damnation, destruction, and death. Therefore, let us endeavour to guard our thought-life with diligence and praise-worthy things (Philippians 4:8).
Read: 1 Corinthians 10:10; Colossians 3:1-3
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 102:12-17; 1 Corinthians 15:35-49; 2 Chronicles 18:28-34; 2 Chronicles 19; 2 Chronicles 20; 2 Chronicles 21:1-3
