Reflections on the Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment

I have written a few articles for Associated Content/Yahoo Contributor Network over the past few years. Since Yahoo is shutting down the business entity at the end of the month, I am re-publishing a few pertinent pieces here.

Reflections on the Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment by Jeremiah Burroughs (July 2012)

The way to contentment is complete satisfaction in Christ and the things of God. To be mindful of the things of the Kingdom of Heaven and not be consumed by the cares of this world is a daily battle. One must think of 2 Corinthians 10:5 and diligently seek to live this out: "we are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ."

Contentment involves drawing strength from Christ through afflictions and burdens, and even everyday life. A good, steady temper in the heart produces the fruit of contentment. Depending upon circumstances and "creatures" for contentment is a miserable condition. True Christian contentment involves the stripping away of desires, whether worldly or "godly ambitions." Desires may grow from seeking first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, but Matthew 6:33 must be the chief desire of a man or woman who desires to live a godly life in Christ Jesus. This results in a greater trust in Christ, and obedience - when the love of God becomes your sole desire.

Many times in scripture, God chastises those who murmur against His providence. Since not a sparrow falls dead to the ground apart from His knowledge, it is proper to say that all things are from the hand of God. Ecclesiastes 7:14 says, "In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider: has God not set one against the other..." Children of Israel in the wilderness did not understand this important lesson. God said to them: "The curses shall pursue you and they shall be on you for a sign, and a wonder, and on your head forever: because you did not serve the Lord you God with joyfulness and with gladness of heart, for the abundance of all things."

The way to contentment is to exercise faith, in not what can be seen, but in God's Holy Word. God is good. In Him there is no shadow or turning. Always make good interpretations of His ways towards you if you love Him and are called according to His purpose.

Crosses and afflictions and repining, as well as sins like pride and coveting can cause a great deal of discontentment. The way to contentment when one meets with any cross is to open the heart to God in prayer, and like His faithful servant David, walk away rejoicing.