Now that we have Jesus we should be increasingly more content for we are being perfected. Scripture says "Contentment is great gain," (1Timothy 6:6-7). So how do we become content, by praying to God, (Matthew 6:33). It comes down to our relationship with God, not things that decay and don't last. There is nothing wrong with enjoying nice things but they will not satisfy if they distance us from God who provides all things. (Proverbs 10:6, Proverbs 13:21). DL Moody once said we can stand affliction better than prosperity because one makes us call out to God while the other makes us forget Him. Sadly it is all too true in our society today, even amongst believers. So what makes us righteous isn't anything we've done rather it is because of all what Jesus has done.
What are "Barriers to Contentment" and what are "Steps to attain Contentment? Barriers include unrealistic expectations" example, when you imagined the perfect married life while you dated you quickly realized that he or she has habits you didn't see during the dating phase, such as snoring or grumpiness in the morning. How about your dream house, did you think that once you got it, it would remain the same? No wear and tear takes its toll so do children and pets and your home may not be as dreamy as before, not without some maintenance. How about becoming a Christian? Many may have the impression that they have it all together, or that we will never suffer hard times again, but realistically life still affects them, but because Jesus has overcome the world they have hope and assurance that things do get better, (John 16:33). Other barriers are "Unfair Comparisons" and "Uncontrolled Ambitions", both lead to discontentment, the first because there is always someone that seems to be better, smarter or richer than us, the other is a trap, a never ending circle of wanting and getting more and it never seems to be enough. In our efforts to get ahead for selfish gain we may adopt methods that hurt others and that is never fulfilling, (James 3:16, Deuteronomy 5:21). Our primary ambition should be to gain a greater and deeper relationship with God through Jesus just as our baptismal candidates are seeking to do this afternoon. We are the culprits of these barriers that keep us apart from God, we let greed and envy rob us of joy, fulfillment and contentment, these cannot come from ourselves alone they only come when we make Jesus our All in All. God is our sustainer, our provider, he promises it, (Hebrews 13:5). The Lord provides our every need and in His wisdom withholds what will harm us. Disbelief is also a deterrent to contentment; when we don't believe God will provide and protect us.
The Apostle Paul discovered the secret of contentment. (Philippians 4:11-13). Contentment is the cry of every human heart, it longs for peace in knowing it will always be loved and cared for, and God provides it,(Philippians 4:19). By trusting in Christ our attitude of discontent and complaint will change into one of contentment and gratitude because our perspective will be that of Christ Jesus.
The first step to contentment is a humble spirit, putting others needs above our own, when we do we begin to love and appreciate them and what we have, (Philippians 2:3-4,James 4:10).We become increasingly grateful for what God has done and is doing in our lives through good or bad situations, we begin to see his hand at work and it causes us to be joyful despite our circumstances knowing God is with us, (1Thessalonians 5:16-18). The ultimate step to contentment is faith in God, believing in His constant goodness and control, trusting in his power and considering Him as a treasure beyond compare (Philippians 3:8, 9).