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Cultivating Contentment
Keep your lives free from the love of money, and be content with what you have; for he has said, “I will never leave you or forsake you.” So we can say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.” (Hebrews 13:5-6)
And [Jesus] said to them, “Take care! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.” (Luke 12:15)
Whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them; I kept my heart from no pleasure. . . . Then I considered all that my hands had done and the toil I had spent in doing it, and again, all was vanity and a chasing after wind. (Ecclesiastes 2:10-11)
INTRO
Back in August the basement at the parsonage got water in it and created conditions that allowed mold to infiltrate everything. Michelle and I had a significant amount of our stuff in storage down there. One afternoon, Michelle went to clean a suitcase that had some mold on it and it turned into a three week ordeal. We ended up losing a decent amount of stuff included childhood keepsakes. After the incident, we have talked to so many people that have lost possession to some sort of natural disaster or another. This reality reminds me of Jesus’s words, in Luke 12:15, “[My] life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.”
While intrinsically we know that life is not made up of what we have, we often let our hearts be fooled into believing that this is true. As a result, we find ourselves defaulting into a place of discontent. Not all discontentment is necessarily negative. In fact, it can be a gift from God. God actually wired our hearts so that they would be discontent with certain things, causing us to seek the only One who can fully satisfy us. We are meant to yearn to know God more, to cultivate a deeper prayer life, to pursue justice and holiness with increasing fervor, to love others more, and to grow in grace and character and wisdom with each passing day.
The problem is that those things we should be content with are the very things we find ourselves hopelessly discontented with. For example, we find ourselves discontented with our stuff, our jobs, our churches, our children, and our spouses. Let’s have a moment of honesty, is anyone ever discontent with this stuff? [Raise hands] It’s safe to say that we are all in the same boat when it comes to contentment and discontentment. We let God down once in awhile and we fall short of our desires.
God’s heart is really for us to have abundance and be filled with joy. For that reason, we are in week three of our four week stewardship and finance series called “Enough.” Last week, we addressed Six Principles to Financial Success. You should have received a static cling in the mail this week. If you missed the sermon, I’d encourage you to check out the blog. This week’s topic is how to cultivate contentment.
While intrinsically we know that life is not made up of what we have, we often let our hearts be fooled into believing that this is true. As a result, we find ourselves defaulting into a place of discontent. Not all discontentment is necessarily negative. In fact, it can be a gift from God. God actually wired our hearts so that they would be discontent with certain things, causing us to seek the only One who can fully satisfy us. We are meant to yearn to know God more, to cultivate a deeper prayer life, to pursue justice and holiness with increasing fervor, to love others more, and to grow in grace and character and wisdom with each passing day.
The problem is that those things we should be content with are the very things we find ourselves hopelessly discontented with. For example, we find ourselves discontented with our stuff, our jobs, our churches, our children, and our spouses. Let’s have a moment of honesty, is anyone ever discontent with this stuff? [Raise hands] It’s safe to say that we are all in the same boat when it comes to contentment and discontentment. We let God down once in awhile and we fall short of our desires.
God’s heart is really for us to have abundance and be filled with joy. For that reason, we are in week three of our four week stewardship and finance series called “Enough.” Last week, we addressed Six Principles to Financial Success. You should have received a static cling in the mail this week. If you missed the sermon, I’d encourage you to check out the blog. This week’s topic is how to cultivate contentment.
Four Keys to Cultivating Contentment
The Apostle Paul is an excellent example of contentment. In his letter to the Philippians, he wrote of the “secret” to his contentment (Philippians 4:11-12). He says, “11 Not that I am referring to being in need; for I have learned to be content with whatever I have. 12 I know what it is to have little, and I know what it is to have plenty. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being well-fed and of going hungry, of having plenty and of being in need.” Like Paul, we can learn to be content in whatever circumstances we may find ourselves. Four keys, which include the “secret” Paul referred to in his letter, can help us to do that.
#1 Key. Four Words to Repeat: “It Could Be Worse”
John Ortberg, pastor at Menlo Park Presbyterian Church in California, says there are four words we should say whenever we find ourselves discontented with something or someone: “It could be worse.” This is essentially the practice of looking on the bright side or finding the silver lining. It is recognizing that no matter what we may not like about a thing or person or circumstance, we can always find something good to focus on if only we will choose to do so.
#2 Key. One Question to Ask: “For How Long Will This Make Me Happy?”
So often we buy something, thinking it will make us happy, only to find that the happiness lasts about as long as it takes to open the box. There is a moment of satisfaction when we make the purchase, but the item does not continue to bring satisfaction over a period of time. Many of the things we buy are simply not worth the expense. This is why it is a good idea to try before you buy.
#3 Key. Developing a Grateful Heart
Gratitude is essential if we are to be content. The Apostle Paul said that we are to “give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). A grateful heart recognizes that all of life is a gift. Contentment comes when we spend more time giving thanks for what we have than thinking about what’s missing or wrong in our lives.
With Thanksgiving approaching this is an important principle to remember. One of our members posted on her Facebook page this week the following challenge: “Every day this month until Thanksgiving, think of one thing that you are thankful for and post it as your status. "Today I am thankful for..." The longer you do it, the harder it may be! Now if you think you can do it then repost this message as your status to invite others to take the challenge, then post what YOU are thankful for today.” If you don’t have Facebook, try sharing one thing at dinner with your family or a friend.
#4 Key. Where Does Your Soul Find True Satisfaction?
The world answers this question by telling us that we find satisfaction in ease and luxury and comfort and money. The Bible, however, answers the question very differently. From Genesis to Revelation, it tells us that we find our satisfaction in God alone. Psalm 63: reads, “O God, you are my God, I seek you, / my soul thirsts for you. . . . / My soul is satisfied as with a rich feast, / and my mouth praises you with joyful lips / when I think of you on my bed, / and meditate on you in the watches of the night.”
We too often look to the world, when we need to look to God. Jesus tells us very succinctly how to void worry and dissatisfaction in Matthew 6:33, “Strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” If we are serious about cultivating contentment, we need to ask ourselves the question, are we striving for God in all we do? Do you pray for his guidance each morning as you start the day? Do you pause to consider his will as you make decisions? Your heart will continue to wander in search of contentment unless you seek him who provides all things.
#1 Key. Four Words to Repeat: “It Could Be Worse”
John Ortberg, pastor at Menlo Park Presbyterian Church in California, says there are four words we should say whenever we find ourselves discontented with something or someone: “It could be worse.” This is essentially the practice of looking on the bright side or finding the silver lining. It is recognizing that no matter what we may not like about a thing or person or circumstance, we can always find something good to focus on if only we will choose to do so.
#2 Key. One Question to Ask: “For How Long Will This Make Me Happy?”
So often we buy something, thinking it will make us happy, only to find that the happiness lasts about as long as it takes to open the box. There is a moment of satisfaction when we make the purchase, but the item does not continue to bring satisfaction over a period of time. Many of the things we buy are simply not worth the expense. This is why it is a good idea to try before you buy.
#3 Key. Developing a Grateful Heart
Gratitude is essential if we are to be content. The Apostle Paul said that we are to “give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). A grateful heart recognizes that all of life is a gift. Contentment comes when we spend more time giving thanks for what we have than thinking about what’s missing or wrong in our lives.
With Thanksgiving approaching this is an important principle to remember. One of our members posted on her Facebook page this week the following challenge: “Every day this month until Thanksgiving, think of one thing that you are thankful for and post it as your status. "Today I am thankful for..." The longer you do it, the harder it may be! Now if you think you can do it then repost this message as your status to invite others to take the challenge, then post what YOU are thankful for today.” If you don’t have Facebook, try sharing one thing at dinner with your family or a friend.
#4 Key. Where Does Your Soul Find True Satisfaction?
The world answers this question by telling us that we find satisfaction in ease and luxury and comfort and money. The Bible, however, answers the question very differently. From Genesis to Revelation, it tells us that we find our satisfaction in God alone. Psalm 63: reads, “O God, you are my God, I seek you, / my soul thirsts for you. . . . / My soul is satisfied as with a rich feast, / and my mouth praises you with joyful lips / when I think of you on my bed, / and meditate on you in the watches of the night.”
We too often look to the world, when we need to look to God. Jesus tells us very succinctly how to void worry and dissatisfaction in Matthew 6:33, “Strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” If we are serious about cultivating contentment, we need to ask ourselves the question, are we striving for God in all we do? Do you pray for his guidance each morning as you start the day? Do you pause to consider his will as you make decisions? Your heart will continue to wander in search of contentment unless you seek him who provides all things.
Four Steps for Simplifying Our Lives
While the last key to contentment may seem too simple, that is the point. Much of contentment is found in simplicity. In fact, contentment and simplicity go hand in hand. In addition to cultivating contentment in our lives, we need to cultivate simplicity.
#1 Step. Set a Goal of Reducing Your Consumption, and Live Below Your Means.
Set a tangible goal to reduce your own personal consumption and the production of waste in your life. For example, use canvas bags when you go grocery shopping and refuse any extra packaging. Whenever you are making purchases, look at the mid-grade instead of the top-of-the-line product. When buying a new car, aim to improve fuel economy over your existing car by at least 10 percent. Reduce your utilities by 10 percent by setting the thermostat back a couple of degrees when you are away during the day and asleep at night. Find other ways to reduce your consumption and live below your means. Do some research, share ideas with others, or have a brainstorming session with your family.
More is not always better… This step will also help care for the creation!
#2 Step. Before Making a Purchase, Ask Yourself, Do I Really Need This? and, Why Do I Want This?
These questions will help you to determine the true motivation of your desired purchase. Is it a need, a self-esteem issue, or something else? You may find yourself wrestling with your true motive and decide that your reason for purchasing the item is not a good one.
Along the same lines, you might realize that you can continue to use what you already have instead of replacing it. If you take good care of the things you buy and use them until they are empty, broken, or worn out, you won’t need to buy things as often. Also, Buy things that are made to last; and, when buying things that have a short lifespan, spend your money wisely.
#3 Step. Plan Low-cost Entertainment That Enriches.
When it comes to choosing entertainment for your family or friends, plan things that are simple and cheap. You’ll be amazed at how much more pleasure you derive from low-cost, simple activities. [What do you do for fun that is free?]
#4. Ask Yourself, Are There Major Changes That Would Allow Me to Simplify My Life?
Consider selling a car and buying one you pay for in full, downsizing your home, or getting rid of a club membership you don’t use. Ask yourself questions related to your home, possessions, job, and activities to identify some significant changes that will simplify your life. Remember, if you cannot do all the things God is calling you to do and you’re unable to find joy in your life, perhaps it’s time to simplify in some major ways.
Set a tangible goal to reduce your own personal consumption and the production of waste in your life. For example, use canvas bags when you go grocery shopping and refuse any extra packaging. Whenever you are making purchases, look at the mid-grade instead of the top-of-the-line product. When buying a new car, aim to improve fuel economy over your existing car by at least 10 percent. Reduce your utilities by 10 percent by setting the thermostat back a couple of degrees when you are away during the day and asleep at night. Find other ways to reduce your consumption and live below your means. Do some research, share ideas with others, or have a brainstorming session with your family.
More is not always better… This step will also help care for the creation!
#2 Step. Before Making a Purchase, Ask Yourself, Do I Really Need This? and, Why Do I Want This?
These questions will help you to determine the true motivation of your desired purchase. Is it a need, a self-esteem issue, or something else? You may find yourself wrestling with your true motive and decide that your reason for purchasing the item is not a good one.
Along the same lines, you might realize that you can continue to use what you already have instead of replacing it. If you take good care of the things you buy and use them until they are empty, broken, or worn out, you won’t need to buy things as often. Also, Buy things that are made to last; and, when buying things that have a short lifespan, spend your money wisely.
#3 Step. Plan Low-cost Entertainment That Enriches.
When it comes to choosing entertainment for your family or friends, plan things that are simple and cheap. You’ll be amazed at how much more pleasure you derive from low-cost, simple activities. [What do you do for fun that is free?]
#4. Ask Yourself, Are There Major Changes That Would Allow Me to Simplify My Life?
Consider selling a car and buying one you pay for in full, downsizing your home, or getting rid of a club membership you don’t use. Ask yourself questions related to your home, possessions, job, and activities to identify some significant changes that will simplify your life. Remember, if you cannot do all the things God is calling you to do and you’re unable to find joy in your life, perhaps it’s time to simplify in some major ways.
The Power of Self-Control
Before I conclude, a brief side note: Achieving contentment and simplicity aren’t easy; they require the practice of self-control. Solomon wrote in Proverbs 25:28, “Like a city whose walls are broken down / is a [person] who lacks self-control.” Self-control comes down to making a choice between satisfying an impulse and choosing the future good. If you aren’t good at it, get help from a friend. Go to God with it. The person without self-control is always one decision away from destruction. You can begin to strengthen self-control by asking these three questions:
· “What are the long-term consequences of this action?”
· “Is there a higher good or a better outcome if I used this resource of time, money, or energy in another way?”
· “Will this action honor God?”
· “Is there a higher good or a better outcome if I used this resource of time, money, or energy in another way?”
· “Will this action honor God?”
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, I ask you the question: Which Tent Will You Live In? Will you live in discon-tent or con-tent-ment? You and you alone determine which “tent” will be yours. By utilizing self control to implement the keys of contentment and simplifying your life, you will be able to move towards contentment. You choose it in large part by deciding what life is about. If you decide that “life does not consist in the abundance of your possessions,” then you are choosing contentment. Choosing contentment means we look to God as our Source, giving thanks for what we have; we ask God to give us the right perspective on money and possessions and to change our hearts each day; we decide to live simpler lives, wasting less and conserving more; and we choose to give more generously.
Pray the prayer together as the close. “Lord, help me to be grateful for what I have, to remember that I don’t need most of what I want, and that joy is found in simplicity and generosity.”
Pray the prayer together as the close. “Lord, help me to be grateful for what I have, to remember that I don’t need most of what I want, and that joy is found in simplicity and generosity.”
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