The subject of contentment is not a new one, but rather a very old concept that needs to be preached and demonstrated for our current generations. “A little that a righteous man has is better than the riches of many wicked.” (Psalm 37:16) Why is this important? Why is it better to have a little in righteousness?
Contentment is very important because it is a godly principle. It is also important because contentment can bring peace in times of crisis. America and the world are in the financial crisis of major recession. The actions of greed, selfishness, and moral decay have brought us to this point, therefore it is better for those who have not corrupted themselves with the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, nor the pride of life because they can be at peace and free of guilt.
In Numbers 11:4-35 we can read of stubborn Israel who complained of no meat in their pots. When I read this I think of several reasons why God had not provided them with meat. One, he had miraculously fed them bread. Two, He was preparing them to enter the Promised Land which had plenty of everything. Three, they were not physically suffering without meat. The people argued with Moses to get them meat and God gave it to them until it “came out their nostrils.” They, like many today, wanted all their blessings immediately. There are even T.V. preachers that are toting the message of, “your best life now.” It didn’t work for Abraham and Sarah, Esau, Israelites and many others, and it won’t work for us. Greed and impatience are not born of contentment.
In Ecclesiastes 5:10-20 we read of how dis-contentment leads to more. When a person who lusts for more will do anything to get it, that person will enslave, mistreat and abuse others as well as himself. Lack of contentment puts one onto a vicious cycle of misery.
John preached “repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” The people knew that repentance called for an action and asked, “What shall we do then?” John told them to share, take no more than allotted, and be content with their wages. This sage advice would save our nation billions of dollars every year. There would be no need for welfare or bailout laws. How? Each one of us, including companies, would take responsibility for our own. This concept works for the church, it would work for any group who would put it to practice. Individually, we cannot save the world; we can however, save some. We can share, refrain from cheating, and not harbor greed. God never commanded us to open a food bank or start a coat drive, but he did teach us to share such as we have and others need.
Paul starts I Timothy 6:6-16 by stating, “godliness with contentment is great gain.” From the points he makes in this passage we can understand that contentment doesn’t just apply to finances. If we (society) would apply principles of contentment, the divorce rate would disappear, the diseases and unwanted pregnancies of fornication would disappear, the greed that becomes so demanding would fade, the stress and its physical and mental afflictions it causes would vanish, crime, wars and fighting among us would be non-existent.
I leave you with these words: Read Matthew 6:24-34.
Sean S. McCallilster