Contentment

“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:12-13 NIV)

By nature we are easily dissatisfied.  You don’t have to go long or far to hear people complain.  They complain about the government.  They complain about the weather.  Students complain about classes.  Employees complain about their employers. Single people complain about being alone while many married people complain about their spouses.  

The reality is complaining is in our genes.  Adam and Eve complained to God (Genesis 3:12-13); the Israelites complained to Moses (Numbers 11:1-6); Jeremiah complained to God (Jeremiah 20:7-18) ; and the disciples complained to Jesus (Mark 10:41).  Throughout human history, we have struggled to be content in our circumstances.  So much so that it seems normal to complain.  Everyone does it.

Yet, Paul told Timothy that we gain something great if we pursue not only godliness, but contentment as well (I Timothy 6:6) Thus, what is normal for the world should not be the norm for us.  Rather, Paul says we should learn to be content with our circumstances.  His secret?  To accept that God is in control of all things; to be satisfied with how He allows things to unfold; to trust Him.

To complain is basically to say we would do things differently and better. In other words, we are saying we know better than the Lord. Contentment, then, is an act of submission.  When we are content with our circumstances, we are acknowledging our trust in the Lord.  

Today, recognize complaining for what it is—a lack of trust in the Lord.  It is in your genes and won’t be easily overcome, but if you are willing, God will give you the strength to be content.  And then you will have gained something great.

© Jim Musser 2014