Contentment

This is a recap of a sermon by Tom Holladay at Saddleback Church. To find the complete sermon and notes go to: http://www.saddleback.com/mc/m/45E0

"I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:12-13 (NIV)

To learn the secret to contentment, we need only look to God's word. The operative word here is learn. We are not born content; we must learn to be content. Contentment is not taking the easy way out. It is learning an attitude of life that allows you to work hard and gain godly success without losing everything else in the process. Learning contentment is trusting God for much more than you ever thought you could.

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us..." Ephesians 3:20 (NIV)

The enemy of contentment is comparison. When we compare ourselves and what we have(or don't have) to others we find our joy draining away. We begin to allow what others have or their opinions of us to control our lives and our decisions. We need to learn to live in the joy that only God can give us. "Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap; they have no storeroom nor barn, and yet God feeds them; how much more valuable you are than the birds!" Luke 12:24 (NASB) And "Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; but I tell you, not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass in the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, how much more will He clothe you? You men of little faith!" Luke 12:27-28 (NASB)

"Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else..." Galations 6:4

Learn to be content with whatever you have, whether little or much. Always chasing after more leaves us exhausted and angry and is like chasing the wind, an endless and impossible task. We need to remind ourselves that life is not about things and having more can cloud our vision and cause us to turn away from God. Things cannot be trusted. Put your trust in God.

"I say it is better to be content with what little you have. Otherwise, you will always be struggling for more, and that is like chasing the wind." Ecclesiates 4:6 (NCV)

"But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that." 1 Timothy 6:6-8 (NIV)

"Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment." 1 Timothy 6:17 (NIV)

"Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, 'Who is the LORD ?' Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God." Proverbs 30:8-9 (NIV)

Be careful about what you pursue. What are you chasing after? Are you chasing after power, fame, fortune, approval, a bigger house, a nicer car? All of these things will leave you feeling empty and unsatisfied. We ought to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. We will only receive genuine contentment through our pursuit of God.

"For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness." 1 Timothy 6:10-11 (NIV)

"As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness; when I awake, I shall be satisfied with your likeness." Psalm 17:15 (ESV)

We must rely on the strength that Christ gives us. We will never find contentment in wealth or a perfect life. These things are futile and empty. Our contentment is not found in our circumstances but rather in our relationship with Him. We can trust what He says. And if we trust what He says then we should also act on it. When you learn true contentment, you have a treasure which cannot be taken away from you.

"I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13 (NASB)

"I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being..." Ephesians 3:16 (NIV)

Dear Lord, Please help us learn true contentment, the contentment which can only be found in You. Help us to trust in You and Your word and not in the trappings of this world which will only disappoint and leave us feeling empty.