To Be Content
“Now gentleness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out, and having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.” I Timothy 6:6-8 (NKJV)
I think all of us want a settled, contented life, but it seems few people have it, and most don’t have a clue how to get it. We hear the reports about people being dissatisfied with their standard of living. Do you think Paul was being too brutally honest with the believers when he said that if they had food and clothing they should be content? At any rate, today’s readers of his injunction might think he wasn’t serious.
The radio station I listen to has a daily show on the financial markets. I listen to it even though I don’t qualify for the kind of investments and financial deals they talk about, but I’m impressed by the different strategies investors have devised for making money or for worrying about losing what they already have. Who would be so brave as to tell them that it is “great gain” to be godly and contented?
The key to contentment is thankfulness. We are happiest and most comfortable with ourselves and with life when we have a spirit of gratitude. The events of a couple weekends ago in several states should remind us all that things do fall apart, and that the things that to us seem so necessary can disappear in the wink of an eye. The destructive force of the twisters left piles of rubble in their path, but when such disasters happen, we watch amazed how some people can come out of the devastation with a balanced perspective. A reporter holds a microphone before one who has lost everything, and we hear the person say, “We’ve lost everything, but we have our lives.” And we are rightly impressed by the survivor who is heard saying, “It’s just things. They can be replaced. Thank God we’re safe.” Talk like that makes us reflect hard on Paul’s words, “We brought nothing into this world, and it is certan we can carry nothing out.” Such a realization ought to keep us thankful and content.
Food and clothing: we’re pressured to buy, get, spend, and amass more than we need, but the words of Jesus speak to us in these precarious times: “A man’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he has” (Luke 12:15, NKJV). Blessed are those who view things as mere things and who can be content with having their daily needs met by a kind and loving Heavenly Father. Give thanks today.
Always,
Judith
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“Contentment is just the realization
that God has already provided
for me today all that I need for
my present peace and happiness.”
Nancy Leigh DeMoss
8 Comments
Iris ogburn
After a lifetime of getting, I’m now getting rid of. Time is my greatest treasure. Thanks for the reminder of what is important.
Judith Nembhard
Hello Iris,
So good to hear from you. We all need to see things from your perspective. Oh, yes, we all come to the “getting rid of” time of life. Thanks for your good comment. JN
Fartema Fagin
Hi Judith, I was so moved by this devotional to reflect on my attitude of gratitude after experiencing a temporary state of homelessness due to the 2020 tornado in East Brainerd.
Thank God I was able to recover from homelessness by trusting God to open up doors for me. Temporary Accommodations, an actual company, was available to help with setup and relocation. Grateful 🙏🏾 for God’s intervention. I am blessed to
have ‘temporary accommodations’ until Jesus comes.
Judith Nembhard
Fartema,
Your testimony will bless someone today. Remembering how He has led us brings us closer to Him. I remember the destructive forces of nature leveled at you, but our God brought you out into a good place where you are able to live comfortably. He is worthy to be praised.
It’s always good to hear from you. JN
Montez Burks
Judith that says it all, the key to contentment is thankfulness!!!🙏
Judith Nembhard
Hi Montez, That makes a pretty good quote, doesn’t it? But it’s the truth. An attitude of gratitude makes a difference in our lives. Thanks for writing. JN
Rhona Nembhard
Yes, so often we reflect, and murmur about what we do not have, or what others do not give to us.
This causes us to forget “life” is an invaluable gift, and most importantly :who gave it to us.
I wish your articles were shared with the world. Very thought stimulating.
Thank you.
Judith Nembhard
Thank you, Rhona, for the clear observations you’ve made here. I know that there are others who agree with you. I’m glad you find the devotion helpful. We’re journeying together. JN