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Sunday,  May 27, 2012 pm        Christian and Money Index

THE CHRISTIAN AND MONEY (4)
Principles: Contentment

 

This year, one of the subjects we are focusing on is what the Bible says about money and the Christian.  Thus far we have examined the subject of materialism and begun examining some principles that will help the Christian develop a proper attitude toward his worldly possessions, including his money.  Thus far we have examined the subject of stewardship and examined the question, “Where is your treasure?”

Tonight we want to examine another principle at the foundation of our approach to money – what the Bible says about contentment? 

 I.                    What is contentment?

a.        The Bible actually has much to say about the subject of contentment.  It needs to apply in all aspects of our lives – including our possessions.

b.       Defined –  “to be sufficient or adequate for a particular purpose, with the implication of leading to satisfaction.” (Louw & Nida[1])
Vine’s Expository Dictionary says, “to be sufficient, to be possessed of sufficient strength, to be strong, to be enough for a thing.”[2]
When we thing of contentment we see the idea that one is satisfied in the state he finds himself.  He has enough and is grateful. 
One source noted that this is NOT to be confused with stagnation where you are satisfied where you are but not where you need to be.

c.        Our society feeds on discontentment and often portrays a FALSE sense of contentment –  it is driven by materialism.  Advertising appeals to what you want and deserve – with the implication that if you get this latest “must have” gadget you will finally be content.   But we know such is not the case, and most of us have a small appliance drawer or collection of exercise equipment to prove it.  And to help facilitate your dreams, “you can pay for it with x easy payments”.   
Even in these difficult times creditors are aggressively extending credit if you “deserve it”.  

d.       And in our prosperity, we are at a disadvantage with contentment – most of us have not seen real want in our lives and we were raised in comfort and ease.  For many of us, the lives we live and our upbringing has us at a disadvantage.
In preparing for this lesson, it was pointed out that we are not born content – think about a baby who thinks about his discomforts and needs.  This is not a bad thing, but rather essential to survival – nevertheless that child is not content until he gets what he wants.  AT birth, his wants are limited, but it usually doesn’t take long for him to learn to want more.  Is it any wonder the Bible says that we must LEARN contentment?

e.       Many marriages are in trouble because of discontentment – some are not satisfied with what they have and accumulate massive debt which will inevitably lead to trouble; some are unfaithful to spouses; still others think about their own selfish desires and pursuits, etc. Contentment can help us deal with these things.

II.                  What does the Bible say about contentment?

a.        Psalm 37:16-17 –“a little that a righteous man has is better than the riches of many wicked.”

b.       Prov. 15:16 – “Better is little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure with trouble.”

c.        Eccl. 5:12 – “The sleep of a laboring man is sweet, whether he eats little or much; but the abundance of the rich will not permit him to sleep.”

d.       Eccl. 5:10, “He who loves silver will not be satisfied with silver; Nor he who loves abundance, with increase.  This also is vanity.”

e.       Luke 3:14 – As John was giving instructions about righteousness, he said to soldiers – “Do not intimidate anyone or accuse falsely, and be content with your wages.”

f.         Heb. 13:5 –“Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have.  For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’”

g.        Phil. 4:11-13 – Perhaps one of two premiere passages dealing with contentment.  Bear in mind that Paul is writing this letter from prison in Rome.  Yet in this letter he speaks continually of his joy in Christ and encourages the brethren of Philippi to also rejoice.  ONE cause for his rejoicing is how he had LEARNED to be content in whatever condition he found himself in.  O that we might learn this lesson.

h.       1 Tim. 6:6-8 – as Paul is writing to Timothy, he instructs him on the importance of contentment.  In this text we find many lessons about being content:

                                                   i.      It ought to accompany godliness in our lives – therein we find “great gain”

                                                  ii.      We brought nothing into this world and will leave with the same – therefore, it is futile to put your trust in the things of this world.  And THAT is where discontentment is found (In the things of this world)

                                                iii.      Having food and clothing, with these we shall be content – learn to be satisfied with whatever we have.  Realize that no matter how bad things are, there is always someone who is worse off than us.

                                                iv.      The dangers of desiring wealth are many – it begins with temptation and leads to a trap with leads men into destruction and perdition.   That is why Paul says, “The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.”  And the product of many sorrows for those pierced through with greediness (a lack of self-control.)

i.         And thus we can clearly see that God EXPECTS us to LEARN contentment if we are to follow Him.  In fact, it is a core attitude we need to remember.  The less content we are in this life, the more difficult it is going to be to surrender to God and serve Him (see our lesson on stewardship).

 III.                How can I develop contentment?

a.        It really is about attitude – you need an attitude adjustment. Contentment is a state of mind that you teach yourself to have.   It sounds simplistic to say, but you have to MAKE UP YOUR MIND that you are going to be content with what you have.
But that does NOT mean it is not a struggle – but your resolve is to not let the things of this world sour your attitude toward God.  Prov. 14:30 – “a sound heart is life to the body, but envy is rottenness to the bones.”

b.       Realize the flaw of the things of the world – James 4:1-4 drives the point home plainly – friendship with the world is enmity with God.   Consider the flaws of this world -

                                                   i.      They disappoint – Eccl. 2:10 “Whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them.  I did not withhold my heart from any pleasure, for my heart rejoiced in all my Labor; and this was my reward from all my labor.”  Over and over he called the things and ways of this world “vanity”.

                                                  ii.      They are temporary – Eccl. 2:18 – Solomon in his quest for the meaning of life realized that no matter what he had, he could not take it with him.  And even more than that, his labors and accomplishments would be left to one after him who might act foolishly.

c.        Beware of the pitfalls of discontentment –
We have already discussed 1 Tim. 6:9-10 – the trap of those who desire to be right (i.e. are not content).
Furthermore – discontentment can lead to debt, stress, desperation, addictions –(to stuff, or whatever you are not satisfied to live without, etc.).
Is any wonder Solomon said, “Do not let your heart envy sinners, but be zealous for the fear of the Lord all the day.”  (Prov. 23:17)

d.       Where is your treasure?  Recall our last lesson in which we discussed that idea.  Contentment will come more easily if your treasure is in heaven (Matt. 6:19-21)

e.       Learn gratitude -
Realize that you truly are blessed! James 1:17 says, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.”
When you start getting down on yourself – stop and realize that there is always someone with less than you or in worse shape than you are.
And when we consider what we have, may we be grateful – Phil. 4:6 -, 1 Thess. 5:18 – in everything give thanks.
Eccl. 5:18-20 finds Solomon speaking of enjoying our “heritage” from God. 

f.         Live within your means –
We live in a society burdened with debt – both as a government and personal debt.  We will address debt in another lesson.  But for now we are reminded that a part of being content is to not live “above your pay grade”. 
Don’t worry about the Jones next door.  Worry about your own family and all the things we have discussed thus far.
Along with this - make your standard of living “reasonable.”  Prov. 30:8-9 – “…Give me neither poverty nor riches – Feed me with the food allotted to me; Lest I be full and deny You, and say, ‘Who is the LORD?’ OR lest I be poor and steal, and profane the name of my God.”

g.        Learn to give -
Another key principle that we will be discussing in another lesson deals with giving.  Not just “laying by in store on the first day of the week” (1 Cor. 16:1-2), though that is certainly included.  I am talking about a life of giving and sharing with others.   1 Tim. 6:18-19 in speaking to the rich, Paul says, “Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold of eternal life.”
Acts 20:35 says, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
Jas. 1:27 – “visit” orphans and widows in their distress…

h.       Deliberately do without something –
We call it sacrifice.  I.e. fasting. 
We know we are to be “living sacrifices” (Rom. 12:1-2).  But we also continually are reminded of the need to be willing to give up things to follow Him. 
Sometimes the best way to learn to appreciate “the best things in life” is to remove some of the things that distract our attention from them. 
I believe it to be a very Biblical principle that we learn to sacrifice things – not wrong within themselves – to help us discipline our lives.  Is that not what athletes do? (1 Cor. 9:25)  The idea of being temperate is in control and living in moderation (i.e. doing without some things).
David in offering a sacrifice to God said, “I will not take what is your for the LORD, nor offer burnt offering with that which costs me nothing.” (1 Chron. 21:24). 
Think about the concept of “lent” – while it is not taught as a ceremony in the Bible (nor should we as a church observe it) - think about its purpose: to give up something that you are allowed to have for 40 days to help you appreciate God.  If you CHOOSE to do that – could that not lead to a greater appreciation of God and contentment with what you have?  This is where the principles of fasting come in – (cf. Matt. 6:16-18).  While not commanded, it can be good with the right attitude.  Just think about it! 
While not exactly the same Paul learned contentment through suffering –  In 2 Cor. 12:10 Paul took pleasure in his infirmities.  He said, “Therefore, I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake.  For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

i.         Crown Financial Ministries, a “faith based” non-profit organization designed to teach Biblical values concerning our money and investments presented a “formula” for contentment[3] -
“Knowing + Doing + Trust = Contentment”  This involves –

                                                   i.      Knowing God’s plan for your life – what does He want you to do and be

                                                  ii.      Doing it – living by His plan and letting it influence your decisions

                                                iii.      Trusting Him – as He has promised us over and over in His word – cf. Matt. 6:33, Phil. 4:13, Prov. 3:5 – Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.”
Psalm 107:8-9 – “O that men would give thanks…He satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness.”

     And thus we can see the importance of contentment.  I know it is something I need to work on. How about you?  Let us resolve that as we move forward we are going to live within our means and be content with the abundance that we have been blessed with.   May we, in all things associated with this world, be satisfied.  And may the only thing we are not satisfied with be our efforts to get to heaven when this life is over.  There is still work to do there.  Think about it!