CONTENTMENT… IS IT ACHIEVABLE?

J. P. Morgan (1837-1913), the renowned financial and industrial magnate was once asked

what it would take to make him happy. His reply? “Just a little bit more.”

By his response Mr. Morgan was affirming the truth of Proverbs 27:20: “The lust of the eyes

of man is never satisfied.” (Amplified)

How then can a person achieve CONTENTMENT? Let me suggest five Biblical principles:

1. Contentment is achieved when seeking God and His kingdom are our first priority:

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body,

what you will wear… Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given

to you as well.” (Matthew 6:25, 33)

2. Contentment is achieved by believing God will meet our needs:

“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said,

never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)

3. Contentment is achieved by graciously accepting what God allows into our lives:

“I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances… whether well fed or hungry, whether living

in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:12b,

13)

4. Contentment is achieved through a life of simplicity over greed:

“But godliness with contentment is great gain… If we have food and clothing, we will be content with

these… Whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income… I have seen a grievous evil under the

sun: wealth hoarded to the harm of its owner…” (I Timothy 6:6, 8; Ecclesiastes 5:10, 13)

5. Contentment is achieved by enjoying hard work and its remuneration:

“It is good and proper for a man to eat and drink, and to find satisfaction in his toilsome labor…

When God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and

be happy in his work—this is a gift of God.” (Ecclesiastes 5:18, 19)