Contentment is a by-product of our pursuit of godliness. Paul told Timothy that “godliness actually is a means of great gain, when accompanied by contentment” (1 Tim. 6:6). We get things turned around when we think the pursuit of godliness can be taken up only by those who have already found contentment. The truth is: only the person who strives for godliness will find contentment. Jesus describes it this way: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be satisfied” (Mt. 5:6). It is not enough to desire contentment, we must pursue godliness.

Contentment is found in the pursuit of those things which are eternal. Again, we cite Paul’s instruction to Timothy: “For we brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either” (1 Tim. 6:7). Too often the things we believe will make us happy serve only to bring us greater discontent. The contented mind is centered on things above. Paul writes, “If then you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth” (Col. 3:1-2). Those who seek contentment must “walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Cor. 5:7). Living by faith in the Eternal One moves our minds away from the shackles of anxiety. The walk of faith provides freedom to look beyond temporal boundaries and set our focus on eternity. When our priorities are arranged from an eternal perspective, everything else falls into place. Jesus says,
“Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you” (Mt. 6:33). As we center our lives about Christ and His kingdom, we begin to realize that less is often more. Paul says, “And if we have food and covering, with these we shall be content” (1 Tim. 6:8). We need contentment to help us appreciate the simple necessities of life. Contentment is a precious gift which, in its fullness, is found only in Christ. Let us pursue those things which produce contentment so that we may say with Paul, “I have learned to be content” (Ph. 4:11).

— Glen Elliott