Contentment (2019)

Teacher – Mrs. Mary Fuller

What is contentment? The simple answer is ________________.

The definition of contentment from the Merriam-Webster Dictionary:

Feeling or showing satisfaction with one’s possessions, status, or situation

INTRODUCTION: It is not easy to be content with what you have, who you are or the situation that you are in. It is easy to complain. That is in our nature intending to do that all time when we are facing or experiencing uneasy or uncomfortable situations. We also are intending to look at others who are far better than us. That is in our nature easily intending to compare us with others.

The Bible says that we should not compare us with others. It also says that we should be content with what we have, who we are, or the situations that we are in.

Let’s us discuss these three words that are in the definition of contentment.

I. What are the possessions?

1. Wealth
2. Cars
3. Big houses
4. Yachts
5. Expensive clothes

Are you content with them? Have you seen your friends or people who have these things? Do they make you envy over them? Do you want them? Do you need them to make you happy?

II. What is the status?

Status is the position or rank that you are in. For example, who is Donald Trump? Of course, you would say that he is the president of the United States. It is not only that title that he has right now. What is he before he became the president of the United States? He is wealthy. He is the businessman. He owns several buildings and hotels. That is the status of Donald Trump.

1. Are you content with your status?
2. Are you happy with your position on your job?
3. Are you satisfied with your low salary?
4. Are you happy being a single? Are you happy being married?

III. What is situation?

Situation is what you are going through or experience with. Here is the example:

1. Are you getting a better life?
2. “Pah” got your job promotion?
3. Are you being popular or fame?
4. Have you gotten more friends than before?

Are you content with all of them?

IV. What should we be content with?

1. Accept yourself as you are.
2. Accept your surroundings.
3. Accept your past.
4. Accept your future.

What does the Bible say about being content?

As a believer, you should be contented because you ought to remember that Jesus Christ died on the cross for you. He paid the price for your sin. He gave you a secure future of eternity in His presence, free of all pain and sorrow! Ephesians 2: 8 – 9

And, you will spend the eternity with God forever. When you get there, all your pain, sorrow and tears will be gone away. Revelation 21:4 & Revelation 21:7. So, we ought to stay focus on Jesus!

V. How can we be content?

1. Remember that Jesus cares for you and He meets your needs. Philippians 4:13, 19
2. Remember that God chose NOT to give you contentment as a gift. Contentment is learned. Philippians 4:11
3. Remember that God is wise. He can be trusted! He created you and gave you His gifts. 2 Corinthians 3:5 – 6

Conclusion:

Paul the Apostle went through a lot of sufferings while he served God. He had bad health issues. He was beaten several times because of his faith in Jesus. Sometimes, he had nothing. Sometimes, he had enough. He had to work to earn his living. Yet, he learned to be content with what he had. He learned to trust in God providing him his needs. 2 Corinthians 12:9

You must trust that God has given you everything needed for this moment in time. You should be content with yourself, your family, your surroundings, your job, or your past.

As you depend on the Lord, you are content as you pursue His goals for your life.