How to discover the importance of contentment in life

Let’s discover the importance of contentment in life as we look at the scriptures of Paul’s life.

“Now godliness with contentment is great gain.” 1 Timothy 6:6

Most of us have heard this verse, written by Paul who was a devout follower of Jesus Christ. His story and writings are an incredible source of instruction to believers and are some of my favorite readings in the bible.

I had a rough day yesterday. A non-stop day full of interruptions, inconveniences and lots of negative emotion. During my complaining I was strongly convicted about allowing these feelings of discontentment to separate me from giving thanks to God.

If the Oxford definition for contentment is a state of happiness and satisfaction, I can tell you I was just the opposite.

Then, the Holy Spirit, faithful as He is, nudged me and said “in all things, give thanks“. I allowed my circumstances to steal my joy, peace, contentment and my heart of thanksgiving.

The gap between having a heart of thanksgiving to God is having a heart of discontentment. So I turned to the scriptures because that’s what we do, right? 🙌🏻

So here we have a scripture rich post about contentment exampled by Paul. His life shows us the importance of contentment in Christ. Because despite the “thorn in his side” his latter life was a testimony to Jesus.

I hope through this post you discover the importance of contentment in life and encouragement to “keep fighting the good fight of faith”.

Brief summary of the life and ministry of Paul

I am no bible scholar. What I share here with you is strictly from my own personal bible study and how the Holy Spirit is teaching me.

Before there’s any confusion, Paul formerly known as Saul is first mentioned in Acts 8. The name change from Saul to Paul occurs in Acts 13:9 which reads “Then Saul, who also is called Paul”. From this verse on, he is only referred to as Paul.

The reason I love Paul’s story is because his life is a perfect depiction of God’s saving grace and mercy available to anyone! Paul’s transformation from a literal murderer began one extraordinary day on the road to Damascus (Acts 9).

God had another plan for Saul. (Just like he has a plan for each one of us!)

God spoke to Saul and this exchange was enough for him to drop to his knees and live a life completely sold out for Christ. His life of transformation, redemption, faith and how he carried his cross until his death is an awe-inspiring testimony.

Paul wrote 13 of the New Testament epistles: Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus and Philemon.

Some believe he also wrote the book of Hebrews (so maybe he wrote 14).

His writings portray a beautiful example of humility, encouragement and love for Christ.

Contentment in the bible

“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.” Hebrews 13:5

“Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:11-13

“Now godliness with contentment is great gain.” 1 Timothy 6:6

In all three of these verses on contentment in the bible, Paul contrasts contentment with God. Even in his state of need or having a lack thereof, he chooses contentment through his faith.

I suppose if I had a verbal encounter with God, I too would be steadfast in my faith. Even still, Paul struggled in many ways, but his love for Christ always prevails.

Paul Struggling with Sin

So the trouble is not with the law, for it is spiritual and good. The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin. I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate. But if I know that what I am doing is wrong, this shows that I agree that the law is good. So I am not the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it.

And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. But if I do what I don’t want to do, I am not really the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it.

I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. I love God’s law with all my heart. But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God’s law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin.” Romans 7:14-25

Paul’s struggle with sin even then is no different to this day.

Discover the Importance of Contentment in life through Paul’s Gratitude for God’s Mercy

This is such a powerful verse. No-one is too far from God’s saving grace.

“I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength to do his work. He considered me trustworthy and appointed me to serve him, even though I used to blaspheme the name of Christ. In my insolence, I persecuted his people. But God had mercy on me because I did it in ignorance and unbelief. Oh, how generous and gracious our Lord was! He filled me with the faith and love that come from Christ Jesus.

This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them all. But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life. All honor and glory to God forever and ever! He is the eternal King, the unseen one who never dies; he alone is God. Amen.” 1 Timothy 1:12-17

Discover the Importance of Contentment in life through Paul’s humility

For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Philippians 1:21

“And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.

Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.” Philippians 2:8-16

Discover the Importance of Contentment in life through Paul’s suffering even unto death

“Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 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.” 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

His eyes were always fixed on the Lord & His promise of eternal life, that was his comfort and it should be ours as well.

“For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.” Philippians 3:20

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”2 Timothy 4:7

“Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:8

Importance and value of living a life of contentment

Paul lived a life of thanksgiving to God through worship. He worshiped God in Spirit and in truth. (John 4:24) He took every thought captive and brought it into the obedience of Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:5) Paul decreased so Christ would increase. (John 3:30)

In the scriptures above, we see that Paul too struggled with sin and often found himself in difficult circumstances. Some more difficult than we will ever experience. But a life of worship to God was his guiding light.

Can we agree that Paul lived a life of contentment?

I hope you found Paul’s example to be as inspiring as I do. Keep in mind that Paul was imprisoned for a quarter of his writings. But in all circumstances, his faith never wavered.

I believe his example is how we discover the importance of contentment in life.

“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.” Philippians 4:8

Let’s stop the “I’ll just be content when .. ” perspective..

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