contentment

A Note from the Pastor…

The Word of God is clear on our calling to be content. True contentment brings true thankfulness. Godly contentment brings satisfaction, peace, and a lasting trust in the Lord. Most importantly, Hebrews 13:5 reminds us, “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (ESV). Clearly, the greatest prize of true contentment is not the “stuff” or security of this world – rather it is accepting the greatest – and only true source of contentment – Christ Himself!

There are many enemies of contentment in our world today. We easily recognize the usual “suspects” of greed, jealousy, and envy, that we all know can be dangerous – however, we must also guard against comparison, fear, and complacency. One of Dave Ramsey’s most memorable lessons on handling money shares, “Don’t buy things you can’t afford, with money you don’t have, to impress people you don’t like.” Fear drives many to accumulate more and more and can erode our trust in God’s true Provisions for our lives, (Matthew 5:33). However, we must also be careful that our “contentment in Christ” doesn’t lead to complacency and a lack of faithfulness in our work, in our giving, or in the fulfilling of our calling to the Lord!

The Apostle Paul writes concerning himself, “I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content,” (Philippians 4:11). Paul faced many challenges as he served the Lord, (II Corinthians 11:23-28), and yet he never stopped working at God’s calling! Oftentimes, the amount of work we are physically able to do changes, especially as we age – yet we are still called to His purposes and His glory! We sometimes struggle to find the balance between the man who decided “I will tear down my barns and build larger ones,” (Luke 12:18), and Paul’s directions to “work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ,” (Colossians 3:23-24). Simply, we must not let “idle hands become the devil’s workshop” but continually fill our lives with the purposes of God. Psalm 71:18 states our purpose well, “So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come.” I am content to work for that calling till Jesus calls me home!

Pastor Chris