Learning to Be Content

We have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either.
–1 Timothy 6:7

How can we conquer the mountain of materialism? In a word, contentment. The Greek word in the Bible translated as “contentment” was used by the Stoics to imply that people are self-sufficient–we don’t need to look outside ourselves for satisfaction. Paul Christianized the word. He wrote, “I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. . . . I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:11, 13). We don’t hang our happiness on outside circumstances; we look inward to our relationship with Jesus Christ.

Notice Paul said he “learned to be content.” Contentment doesn’t come naturally to us, but it’s something we can learn. Let me offer three secrets for learning to be content.

First of all, thank God for what you already have. In 1 Timothy 6:8, Paul said, “If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content.” How often do you sincerely thank God for the meal in front of you instead of just saying the words? How often do you thank God for your job instead of complaining about it? Greed and gratitude cannot exist in the same heart.

Second, recognize the dangers of materialism. Verse 9 says, “Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare.” If you focus on money, you become easy prey for get-rich-quick schemes and dishonest people. You can also fall into “many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction” (v. 9). Wealth or the pursuit of wealth can lead to wasteful spending, illicit relationships, the breakup of families, and falling away from God altogether.

Finally, remember your possessions are temporary. Verse 7 says, “We have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either.” I’ve never seen a hearse pulling a U-Haul. When you die, you can’t take your possessions with you. That’s why the ultimate misuse of your life is to spend it pursuing things you’re going to leave behind. As Jesus said in Luke 12:15, “Not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions.” You are more than what you own. And the best use of your life is to spend it pursuing the things of eternity–things that will last forever.

Today’s devotion is adapted from “Moving from Materialism to Contentment,” by Dr. Robert Jeffress, 2021.

Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. www.lockman.org.