CONTENTMENT IS THE CURE FOR THANKLESSNESS
CONTENTMENT IS THE CURE FOR THANKLESSNESS
Bishop Craig L. Oliver, Sr.
“But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world.” - 1 Timothy 6:6-7
Today, I want to talk about contentment and how it is the cure for thanklessness.
If we were to poll most adults about the things they want in life, contentment is often near the top of the list. But most people need to figure out where to look for it. So instead, they settle for satisfaction from things that can't truly provide it.
In other words, many have pseudo-contentment or superficial contentment. For example, some seek contentment in wealth, and some seek it in their relationships. While others seek contentment in their accomplishments and achievements, only to discover that they remain unsatisfied even after accomplishing and achieving certain things in life.
Many still lack contentment in their lives, no matter how much wealth or success they have. The key is simple. Contentment comes as a result of having a thankful heart. People who have learned to be content are those who have concluded that three realities must hold true in their lives: number one, thankful people recognize that all things are temporary; number two, thankful people refuse to be ruled by what they don’t have; and number three, thankful people recognize that God is the giver of all we have.
Thankful people recognize that all things are temporary.
Paul was not in a position in his life where he had a spirit of covetousness but rather where he had a heart and a spirit of contentment. “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content." I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” - Philippians 4:11-13
Paul’s heart of contentment resulted from Christ being at the core of his heart, so he could even go as far as to say in Philippians 4:13 that he could do all things through Christ, who gave him power and strengthened him to live a faithful life. A content life.
Thankful people refuse to be ruled by what they don't have.
Thankful people are content with what they have and refuse to allow what they don't have to rule over their lives. Unfortunately, the desire to be rich rules so many people who are no longer content with the life God has given them. Their desire to be rich causes them to easily fall into the trap of the wicked one.
Scripture confirms that the love of money is indeed the root of all evil. Listen again to what Paul says in 1 Timothy 6:10, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.”
The love of money caused the rich, young ruler to lose his soul. Like so many, he found himself ruled by, and seeking the things he did not have, constantly desiring more.
But here's the point in principle: We've discovered that thankful people refuse to allow their hearts to be ruled by what they don't have. Consider the rich, young ruler. The Bible makes mention of his life in Luke 18:18-23. The text says he was very sorrowful because he was rich, so the rich man lived his life in such a way that his money constantly ruled him. Unfortunately, as we chase dreams of money or possessions, we can easily end up being consumed by them. As a result, many people have lost their families and reputations.
Thankful people recognize that God gives us all that we do have.
Everything that we have ultimately comes from God. So here's the point in principle: Contentment comes from knowing and serving Christ and recognizing that whatever we have, we owe it to God, and cash without Christ can lead to carnality.
I close with this final verse. “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” - James 1:17
James says that every good and perfect gift has come from above, so thankful people recognize that God gives us all we have. Your breath comes from God, and the blood pulsing in your veins comes from God. But, even beyond that, everything we have, whatever it is, comes from God.
If you're going to conquer thanklessness, you must learn how to cultivate a heart of contentment. Recognize that whatever you have comes from the hand and the heart of God, and praise Him for that.
Right now, I dare you to pause, stop what you’re doing, and just praise God. Rejoice in His blessings because they are always perfectly timed for you.
