2018

“Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content” (1 Tim. 6:6-8, NLT)

Here’s another thought for 2018. What if you and I focus on growing in the fruit of contentment in the new year ahead?

This Scripture tells us that contentment, mixed with godliness, is great wealth. Each time I read a headline about the latest Hollywood star that went through a breakup… or was arrested for drug use… or even committed suicide…  I am reminded that accumulating millions of dollars does not really constitute wealth. Purposeful contentment, right where God has me; quiet joy in what He has put into my hands to do today, now that is wealth.

“If we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.” If God put it like that, it’s because we can be content. He would not be cruel enough to command something impossible for us to fulfill. In fact, His very words carry the power to put into action what He is instructing us to do. He is inviting us into very available, very accessible, very profound contentment. Let us be content.

One of the enemy’s favorite strategies against us is to try to stir up the opposite dynamic in our hearts: discontent. He does this by pointing out to us what other people are doing, achieving, buying, wearing, driving, and enjoying. The grass really does look more sumptuous just over the property line, where the Joneses appear to be delighting in the best life has to offer.

Let’s hit the pause button and remember, that the Joneses are living on a fallen planet just like you and I are. Contrary to what it may look like, they have not evaded the heartache and brokenness that often characterizes life before heaven. Their luxurious car and house are really not granting them a brand of happiness out of your reach.

And as we pause, let’s make a determination in our hearts: this year, devil, that strategy is not going to work on me any more! This year, quiet joy is going to greatly increase inside of me. This year, I am going to revel in the riches of a purposefully contented heart!

Stay tuned for Part 2 tomorrow 🙂

What are your thoughts about cultivating contentment in life? Please do share, in the comments!