The Secret Life of Contentment

Contentment is a state of being -- a disposition of the mind and heart that must be 'learned' through the Christian's knowledge of and experience with God. Puritan Thomas Watson wrote, 'Contentment lies within man, in the heart, and the way to be comfortable is not by having our barns filled, but our mind quiet. 'The contented man,' said Seneca, 'is the happy man.' Discontent is a fretting humor which dries the brain, wastes the spirits, and corrodes and eats out the comfort of life.'

Jesus warned, 'Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions' (Lk. 12:15). It is critical to our witness that Christians be contented people. For the human soul to actually be satisfied in life is a reflection of our peace with God (Ro. 5:1).

The unreconciled, unsaved soul is in a constant state of turmoil, dissatisfaction and yearning discontent. Therefore, the Christian must take the contrary way provided by our Savior and be content in whatever circumstances he finds himself.