Devotional - 99-01-05 - Contentment

Phil. 4: 11-13 For I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, to be content. I know how to be abased and to abound: I have learned the secret of both being full and being hungry, of having aboundance and suffering need; I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me.

9. Contentment is often unique to Christians

It really is a rare thing to find contentment in the world. Outside of the Christian faith most folks do not believe that there is a God who has a special interest in the cares of human affairs. "Cast all your care upon the Lord, for He cares for you," (1 Peter 5:7) is not within the belief system of most people. It is a practice almost unique to Christians to be content in knowing that their Creator cares for them.

And why is it that we as Christians are content? "Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's pleasure to give you the kingdom." Luke 12:32. Christians have a hope that comes through their faith. It is a hope in eternity and a future glory. This, in itself, is reason for the follower of Christ to have contentment. The Christian lives not for this world but for the world to come.

The greatest help to the privilege we have of being content in Christ is knowing and experiencing the depth of our reconciliation with God in Christ. When we know reconciliation as tested and true knowledge we know Christ not simply as savior, but as a loving, intimate savior who effects every area of our life.

Charles Hodge likens contentment to the union of heaven and earth. It is as if contentment allows heaven to be present here on earth when it exists in the heart of the Christian. He calls contentment, "better than wealth or fame, a surer source of happiness, and a higher means of good."

So why is contentment a great and privileged part of Christian living? It is because contentment brings heaven into our lives. Contentment, when practiced in faith, becomes a wellspring of heaven to us. In heaven we shall lack nothing and experience no wants, needs, or desires. In heaven all will be fulfilled and to have contentment here on earth already is to seize heaven now!

Soli Deo Gloria,
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