Contentment

What is contemporary contentment?

Contentment is generally defined as a state of satisfaction and peace with one's current circumstances, regardless of external conditions. It reflects an inner sense of fulfillment that doesn’t rely on material wealth, social status, or specific outcomes.

In a psychological context, contentment is considered a stable, long-term feeling of happiness and well-being, distinct from the temporary pleasure of achieving a goal or acquiring something new.

According to Merriam-Webster, contentment is “the state of being happy and satisfied” or “a feeling of ease of mind.” Similarly, the Oxford English Dictionary describes it as “a state of happiness and satisfaction” or a sense of being “satisfied with what one has.”

The Human Condition

These are great definitions of contentment. Afterall, they are given by world renown dictionaries, psychologists, and brilliantly summarized by AI. I subscribe to these definitions without much contention. However, a few words trigger my thoughts as I read through these definitions. Words like ‘fulfillment’, ‘happiness’, ‘satisfaction’, and ‘ease of mind’. Given the human nature, these are words or conditions that are decidedly subjective. Given the prevalence of corruption in all societies, the constant pursuit of ‘inner peace’, and the proliferation of psychotropic substances, it is evident that contentment as defined above is difficult to achieve or maintain.

What does the Bible say?

An interesting definition of contentment is “A state of mind in which one’s desires are confined to his lot, whatever it may be” (Eaton M.G, 1897). Scriptures like Philippians 4:11-13 illustrate a reliance on God rather than on external achievements or possessions. The Apostle Paul speaks of being content in any circumstance because of his faith. Thus, biblical contentment means finding peace in God's presence and provision, focusing on spiritual fulfillment rather than worldly gain.

Unlike the contemporary versions, the biblical definition speaks about ‘one’s lot’ and ‘reliance’. This suggests that the contemporary definitions focus more on the individual (mutable, capricious) rather than on God (immutable, dependable). Let us explore some scripture.

King David said in Psalm 16:5 - O LORD, you are the portion of my inheritance and my cup; You maintain my lot.

Paul says to the Philippians (4:11-13) - Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Prophet Jeremiah said in Lamentations 3:24 - "The LORD is my portion," says my soul, "therefore I will hope in him."

Peter the apostle said in 2 Peter 1:2–4 - Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

The key to contentment is understanding that God is the one who defines our lot or portion, and that He has gives us the power to do all things necessary to attain our lot or portion, and that our lot or portion pertains to godliness and virtue. It is important to note that contentment is not dependent on one’s station in life, as Paul stated in his letter to the Philippians (4:12).

To the haves:

“A man’s contentment is in his mind, not in the extent of his possessions. Alexander the Great, with all the world at his feet, cries for another world to conquer.” [Charles Spurgeon]

King Ahab wanted even his neighbors farm, despite owning a whole vineyard. 1 Kings 21:1-16 states that Naboth owned a vineyard, in proximity to King Ahab's palace in the city of Jezreel. Because of this, Ahab desired to acquire the vineyard so that he could use it for a vegetable (or herb) garden.

To the have nots:

“You say, “If I had a little more, I should be very satisfied.” You make a mistake. If you are not content with what you have, you would not be satisfied if it were doubled.” [Charles Spurgeon]

Christ was a poor man, a man of sorrow, lacking even a place to lay his head. He wore peasant clothes and interacted with the working class.

“Had any other condition been better for you than the one in which you are, God would have put you there.” [Charles Spurgeon]

So then, what shall we do about it?

We claim promises like “He shall supply all my needs according to His riches in glory”, or “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”. These have the tendency to breed complacency, which is grounded in the self.

Complacency is defined as “Self-satisfaction especially when accompanied by unawareness of actual dangers or deficiencies.” Or “A self-satisfied state of negligence or carelessness, especially in relation to one’s personal situation.”

What then shall we do? Always pursue righteousness and godliness with all our might, and place our reliance on our unchanging, dependable God.

1 Timothy 6:11 - But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs. But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.

Psalms 139:23-24 - Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me and lead me in the way everlasting.

Matthew 5:6 - Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

God promises to reward the pursuit for righteousness. Indeed, He promises to aid in your pursuit for righteousness with abundant grace.

2 Corinthians 9:8 - And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.

Genesis 15:1 - After these things the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision, saying, “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward.”

Philippians 4:19 - And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

TL;DR

Contentment is only found in complete reliance on God which can only be achieved through the pursuit of righteousness and godliness.

M.G. Easton M.A., D.D., Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Third Edition, published by Thomas Nelson, 1897. Public Domain, copy freely.