There are few greater blessings in life than to be content. Paul wrote he had LEARNED to be content. You’d think we’d learn more of the secret to being content ourselves. You’d think over time and by experience we’d learn the things that cause us to be dis-content. Here are a few suggestions in outline form regarding contentment to contemplate
Take seriously what is written in Scripture about the cause and effect of our actions.
Galatians 6:7 Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. 8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.
Guard closely what you allow into your heart.
Proverbs 4:23 Keep (Guard) your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.
Psalm 101:3 I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless.
Run from the disordered loves of your heart. In other words, keep God #1 in your life!
1 Corinthians 10:14 Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.
Make corporate worship, prayer, and Godly meditation a priority in your life.
Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer & supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts & your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true… honorable… just… pure… lovely… commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned & received & heard & seen in me—practice these things, & the God of peace will be with you.
Remind yourself often of God’s truth… don’t forget what you know about God.
Hebrews 2:1 Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.
2 Peter 1:12 Therefore I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have. 13 I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to stir you up by way of reminder, 14 since I know that the putting off of my body will be soon, as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me.
Bullet Points To Help For Contentment
Regular reading and meditation on Scripture (Ps 119:11).
Regular self examination (2 Cor 13:5).
Quick to repent with restitution (Acts 26:20)
Someone to be accountable to.
Prayer! “God work into me… 1 Corinthians 13:1-8a and Galatians 5:22-23.”