How to Have Contentment?

⁶ But godliness with contentment is great gain.

⁷ For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

⁸ And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.

⁹ But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

¹⁰ For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

¹¹ But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

¹² Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

¹³ I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession;

¹⁴ That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:

¹⁵ Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;

¹⁶ Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.

¹⁷ Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;

¹⁸ That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;

¹⁹ Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

²⁰ O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called:

²¹ Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen.

1 Timothy 6:6-21 (KJV)

Does stability bring contentment? Not necessarily, especially if we allow money and things to capture our hearts. Look how much stuff we must keep us from being content. The more we have, the more we want. 

Things can produce discontentment. The more we look at what others have that we don’t, the more we can become discontented.

Characteristics of Discontentment

• Being driven by the love of money. (Luke 12:2)
  Those who are driven by money and possessions are fools because they lay up treasure for themselves but are not rich towards God.
• Being distracted by seeking the approval of people.
  Being well liked, respected, or just feeling secure by the acceptance of others. Without it, you’re unsatisfied. Seeking the approval of people can be a distraction to contentment.
• Being depressed when you don’t have the material possessions of others. (Luke 12:20)
  Ahab suffered from this when he couldn’t buy Naboth’s vineyard. He got depressed and turned himself to the wall in his room when he was denied what he wanted. Have you ever wanted something so much you became seriously sad when you couldn’t get it? If so, you are suffering from a case of discontent and you need to refocus your desires.
• Being deceived by the world’s definition of success.
  How does the world define success? Class?
• Being dominated by temporary goals and self-achievement.
• Being dissatisfied because of a lack of inner peace in your life.
• Being defiled by worldly amusements.
• Being disappointed because we can’t take our possessions with us after this life. (verse 7)
• Not being delighted in your current circumstances even though God might have you there for a purpose.

To be continued…