Have we misunderstood contentment, thinking that it means getting the things we think will make us happy? In pursuit of false contentment, might we actually treat God like a sort of genie—like Jeremiah’s contemporaries who practiced religion so that they could have plenty of food, be well-off, and see no trouble (Jer. 44:17)?

How is it that our perceived contentment can fluctuate so dramatically? The new clothes we used to love now seem hopelessly out of date. We appreciated that pay-raise until we acclimated to new spending habits. We thought we had a fine home until we visited that friend’s house that makes ours feel like a closet. Our happiness seems precariously dependent on how others treat us.

Have we misunderstood contentment, thinking that it means getting the things we think will make us happy? In pursuit of false contentment, might we actually treat God like a sort of genie—like Jeremiah’s contemporaries who practiced religion so that they could have plenty of food, be well-off, and see no trouble (Jer. 44:17)?

How can we, like Paul, learn to be content in any situation (Phil. 4:11)?

What Is Contentment?

In wrapping up his letter to the Philippian church Paul comments on a matter of finance. After a drought in income (v. 10) he received a gift from the Philippian church (v. 18) to help alleviate his affliction (v. 14). He found it a perfect occasion to teach on the discipline of contentment. While Paul was thankful for the gift his satisfaction didn’t depend on it. Paul was already full though he appeared to be empty. He was rich though he had little money.

Remember, Paul was imprisoned in Rome where he was responsible for securing his basic necessities while incarcerated. Thankfully, Paul had a right perspective: “And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content” (1 Tim. 6:8). Paul was satisfied if his body was kept from starvation and exposure to the elements. His conduct was without covetousness. He was content with such things as he had (Heb. 13:5).

By contrast discontent results from trying to sooth our souls with that which cannot satisfy. In our fallenness we still think like our first parents who, despite living in paradise, fostered a nagging feeling that God was keeping from them something that might clinch their satisfaction. In their reach for more they lost their pleasure in God.  Contentment is not dependent on circumstances, on the accumulation of stuff, the attainment of status, or the acceptance of society. People in ideal circumstances can have restless hearts.

How Can I Practice Contentment?

Contentment is the learned virtue of satisfaction in one’s situation, not in the situation that could be. There is a Christian way to be poor and a Christian way to be rich. So how do we get there wherever we are?

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