The Benefits of Contentment

Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’ For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.

–Matthew 6:31–32

What does contentment provide us? Today, I want to share three tangible and biblical benefits of contentment.

First of all, contentment allows us to enjoy where we are rather than dwell on where we want to be. Every year, I look forward to our annual family vacation. When I’m in a staff meeting or in the car, I might start daydreaming about our destination. The closer it gets, the more I think about it. Finally, the day comes. Do you know my first thought driving from the airport to the hotel? I only have ten days left to spend here. Each day, I count down how little time I have left. We all suffer from what people call “destination sickness.” We think, When I get to a certain place, I’ll be happy. But contentment allows us to enjoy where we are.

Second, contentment allows us to appreciate rather than resent other people. In James 4:1, James asked a penetrating question: “What is the source of quarrels and conflicts among you?” What causes a person to leave their mate? What causes a Christian to sue another Christian? What causes a church to split over styles and tastes? Conflicts arise from a lack of contentment. Verse 2 says, “You lust and do not have; so you commit murder. You are envious and cannot obtain; so you fight and quarrel.” Even when discontentment doesn’t result in murder, it causes strife in relationships. But contentment allows us to appreciate others.

Third, contentment enhances rather than diminishes God’s reputation. In Matthew 6:31–32, Jesus said, “Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’ For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things” (vv. 31–32).

If you claim to be a Christian, you are a walking advertisement for God. Unbelievers are watching you and wondering, “Do I want what that person has?” If they see us always worried and frantic, chasing after things just like they are, they might say, “No thanks.” But if they see something different in our lives, if they see contentment in spite of our outward circumstances, they’re more likely to be drawn to God.

Today’s devotion is adapted from “Developing a Content Heart” by Dr. Robert Jeffress, 2008.

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.