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People usually base their satisfaction on what they have achieved. It is almost taken for granted that someone who has already achieved visible success in life is considered a winner. But the Word of God paints a picture of a contented person who may also see themselves as a winner: “ But godliness combined with contentment is great gain ” (1 Timothy 6:6).
A contented person is satisfied and grateful for their current circumstances. This applies to all areas of our lives, starting with basic needs such as food, drink, and health. Financial circumstances, the level of comfort achieved, and one's own abilities also influence personal satisfaction.
Nevertheless, the word of God admonishes us to remain content and humble in all areas of life, within the given limitations or circumstances.
Our environment and the current zeitgeist shape us
In a society shaped by consumption and achievement, our understanding of contentment is inevitably influenced as well. Let's look at some of the influences that even a Christian might encounter:
The mindset that one can only be happy when certain needs are met: Not only through daily advertising messages can the impression be created that one is only satisfied when certain physical needs are met. This can sometimes unconsciously lead to a feeling of dissatisfaction with one's current life situation.
Entitlement mentality:
The Apostle Paul warns that in the last days people will distinguish themselves through selfishness, boasting, and lack of self-control (see 2 Timothy 3:2-3). It is a human tendency to want to claim things for oneself but to be reluctant to give them up. Modern people are well aware of their rights and live by the motto "I am entitled to this." It will become increasingly difficult for people to relinquish their rights or to be content with little.
God as a "wish-fulfiller":
We are witnessing the impact of movements like "New Age" on modern society. Among other things, these movements assume that humankind is inherently good and central. The crucial fundamental understanding that humanity is merely a creation and entirely dependent on God as the almighty creator is lost. The focus shifts from God's will to humankind and its needs. In such worldviews, God assumes the role of a being responsible for fulfilling human desires.
These are just some of the trends that make it difficult for a Christian today to be content with their circumstances. Nevertheless, the Word of God shows us that it is indeed possible to be content and that one doesn't need much at all.
What does it cost to be satisfied?
Lacking contentment, people seek personal satisfaction in other sources, only to find that they have ultimately lost more than they have gained. For example, they might seek satisfaction in their career and thereby lose the blessings of their family, or strive for wealth and sacrifice their health. Therefore, it is not without reason that God asks people to be content with their current situation, and not only when certain successes have been achieved.
Paul writes in 1 Timothy 6:8: “ If we have food and clothing, we will be content with that, ” thus showing that it doesn't actually take much to be satisfied.
If basic needs are met, a Christian should be content. Wise people have recognized this principle and testify that contentment does not depend on current wealth, as can also be read in the Book of Proverbs: “ Better a little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure with turmoil ” (Proverbs 15:16). The source of this contentment, however, lies not on the surface, but goes much deeper, reaching into the very core of our relationship with our Lord.
Source and path to contentment: Our relationship with Jesus Christ
“ Do not be greedy for money, and be content with what you have. For he has said (Joshua 1:5) : ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you’ ” (Hebrews 13:5).
This promise from God is reason enough to be content with what we have. God has the situation under control and assures us that “ life is more than food and the body more than clothes ” (Luke 12:23).
As a loving Father, God cares for His children, but He wants to remain the center of their lives. The Word of God clearly shows that the essence of true joy lies not in material or physical things, but in our relationship with the Lord. When a Christian loses sight of this, he seeks other sources of inner satisfaction and will lose much in the process. This is precisely what God warned Israel about: “ When you have eaten and are satisfied, and have built fine houses and settled down, […] be careful that your heart is lifted up and you forget the Lord your God , who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery ” (Deuteronomy 8:12, 14).
The Word of God clearly shows that the essence of true joy lies not in material or physical things, but in our relationship with the Lord.
Israel's success and contentment were directly dependent on their relationship with God. As soon as things went well for them, they became arrogant. Despite their prosperity, their circumstances were no longer good enough for them, and they turned to foreign gods. The Book of Judges is indicative of how God repeatedly brought His people back to their senses through external upheavals, ultimately to win their hearts again and lead them to contentment.
Even today, God deals with us in a similar way to how he did in the life of Paul. Paul managed to be content. He wrote in his letter to the Philippians: “ For I have learned to be content whatever my circumstances. I know what it is to be in need and I know what it is to be rich. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation: to be well fed and to be hungry, to live in plenty and to be in need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me .”
(Phil 4:11-13).
Paul had to learn this, for contentment didn't simply fall into his lap. The core of his contentment, however, lay in his relationship with his Lord Jesus Christ, who empowered him.
On the one hand, God revealed many things to Paul. At the same time, however, He disciplined him not to become arrogant. We read in 2 Corinthians 12:7-9: “ And to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about him, that he might leave me. But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. ”
From a human perspective, Paul was not pleased by this upheaval or restriction in his life, but it was necessary. God did not ease or change the circumstances, but Paul learned a lesson: God's grace is sufficient , for the power of Christ dwelt within him despite his limitations.
Satisfaction in your situation
Much like Israel, we too took good things for granted or couldn't get enough of them. Spoiled by success, we too may have become arrogant and lost sight of our Lord. In this case, it's no wonder that dissatisfaction sets in and circumstances no longer seem good enough.
Through many upheavals, the community of Jesus, like Paul, will learn what it means to be content and satisfied.
Well, the past year has clearly demonstrated our human limitations, because circumstances can change rapidly and we have no power to prevent them. We also cannot plan for the future as reliably as before. Furthermore, our sense of security can be shaken, whether financial or health-related.
But all this is no reason to lose heart. It is all the more an important sign from God that He watches over His church. Through many a trial, the church of Jesus, like Paul, will learn what it means to be content and satisfied, not only in abundance but also in scarcity . The good news is that this allows us to re-examine what is most important: the depth of our relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ. And only this will allow you and me to look upon our lives with contentment and satisfaction, now and in the future.
Alexander Goldnik
Municipality of Bruchmühlbach
Unless otherwise indicated, Bible quotations follow the translation by Martin Luther (rev. 1984).