learning DAILY



1 Timothy 6:6, Now godliness with contentment is great gain.

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

Do you ever look at what others have and wonder why or how they were able to have what they have?  Do you ever wish that you could live in a different house or drive a different vehicle or _______________ (you fill in the blank)?  I believe that another aspect of spiritual warfare is the enemy’s attempt to get you to desire more than you have or to desire what others have.  Our mind then gets on worldly things, worldly possessions.  When that happens, our mind becomes focused away from being content with what we have.

What is contentment?  Contentment can be defined as a “state of peaceful happiness” or a “state of satisfaction” (defined by the dictionary).  A Bible dictionary defines it this way, to be free from care because of satisfaction with what is already one’s own.  For the Christian, the key to contentment is to realize that God has given them everything he or she needs to remain victorious in Christ.  The Life in the Spirit Study Bible has this note in it, “The ability to live triumphantly above changing circumstances comes from Christ’s power flowing in and through you.  This ability does not come naturally, however; it must be learned through dependence in Christ.”  Dr. David Jeremiah states, “Contentment is a choice, cultivated by continually resisting the discontented spirit of the age; it is not happenstance.”  Charles Kelly wrote, “Christian contentment is the God-given ability to be satisfied with the loving provision of God in any and every situation.” 

If you believe that contentment is great gain, then you need to be prepared for the devil attempting to keep you discontent, looking at what others have and telling you that you deserve what they have.  The commercials tell you that you “deserve” to have whatever they are selling.  The salesperson tells you that you deserve to do this for yourself.  Pretty soon you are believing that you are a good person and you do deserve ______.  Take a moment to think about what you have.  I have more than enough “stuff”; I have food, clothing, and shelter.  I need to be content.  I realize I am able to say this because of my place in time – just consider what you desire and why.

Paul stated that “godliness with contentment is great gain”.  True godliness means a person trusts God to provide everything and learns to be content with what He gives.  God is not opposed to our having things; it seems our attitude toward them is what He opposes.   It  should be enough to know that He gives according to our needs and not our wants.  It should be kept in mind that our happiness is temporary and fleeting; our joy and contentment are eternal. 

Are you content this day or are you looking to what others have?  Is your desire for more stuff or are you content and thankful with what you have?  Are you willing to help others with what you have?  Do you trust God to provide for your needs?  Just some thoughts to get you to examine yourself and your level of contentment.

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