The idea of contentment concerns our being happy, or satisfied, with our situation in life. The Bible speaks a lot about our being content.
In the first place, God wants us to be content with our physical necessities in life. In Philippians 4.11 Paul says, “Not that I speak in respect of want; for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” In Hebrews 13.5 the Bible says, “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as you have; for He has said, I will never leave you, nor forsake you.” In 1 Timothy 6.6-8 Paul says, “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.” One thing is for sure, God wants us to be satisfied with what we have while we are here. He does not want us to be overcome with greed, covetousness, or materialism.
In the second place, God does not want us to be content with our spiritual condition. In whatever state we find ourselves, He always expects us to grow in our spiritual maturity. Peter said, in 2 Peter 1.5-7, that we are to add to our faith virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness and love. In 2 Peter 3.18, he said for us to “grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” The Hebrews writer said that we ought to get to the point that we are teachers of the truth and that we are to go on to perfection, or spiritual maturity (5.12- 6.1). In talking to the Ephesian Christians, Paul described the state of sin for those who are lost and then said, “But you have not so learned Christ.” So, if we are not Christians God expects us to learn about Christ and Christianity and obey the Gospel as we grow spiritually. If we are already Christians God expects us to continue to grow even when we consider ourselves as mature Christians. Therefore, it is true, God does not want us to be content in our present spiritual condition, whatever it is!
As Christians, the Bible is our guide. Jesus is our example. Heaven is our goal. To be content with our physical necessities is our aim, but to be content with our spiritual condition is undesirable. We realize that we are not perfect people and that we must continually strive to improve our lives for the Lord. Think About It!
— Kevin Williams