Contentment

by N. MacKay, Hamilton, Ontario | Category: General | Jun 1975

Contentment is a grand attainment and Christians should experience it in a very real sense. As human beings we tend to be discontented but those who are redeemed have a source of strength outside of themselves and if we take advantage of this grace then we will be contented Christians. Rest, satisfaction and peace of mind are included in the state of contentment. We should distinguish between complacency and contentment. Complacency implies self-satisfaction. But Paul wrote to the Philippians, "doing nothing through ... vainglory, but in lowliness of mind each counting other better than himself" (2:3).

In today's world people seem more restless than ever. Although time for leisure has been greatly increased less time is spent in meditation and contemplation. The words of the Lord Jesus come with reassurance, "Come unto Me ... and I will give, you rest" (Matt. 11:28). "The eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing" said the Preacher (Eccles 1:8). The psalmist points the way to true satisfaction, "Oh that men would praise the LORD for His goodness... for He satisfieth the longing soul". (Psa.107: 8,9).

It is difficult to attain peace of mind in a world of stress and rapid change. It is to be found only in Him who said, "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give unto you... Let not your heart be troubled" (John 14:27).

Contentment can be conveniently viewed under three headings:

physical, mental and spiritual.

There are the basic needs of the body such as food, clothing and shelter. Sometimes the effort put forth in acquiring these produces evils which are seen around us today. Crimes of violence and even devastating wars often have their origin in human greed. In spite of these dangers, however, there are some who, though unregenerated have a measure of contentment. This is because they have not just given way to selfishness, greed and other lusts of the flesh. God's word has the answer to the need of physical contentment. The abundant life outlined by our Lord in the sermon on the mount gives the key to bodily well-being, "Seek ye first His kingdom, and His righteousness; and all these things (food, clothing, shelter) shall be added unto you" (Matt. 6:33). Paul wrote to Timothy, "Having food and covering we shall be therewith content" (1 Tim. 6:8).'

When we think of contentment of the mind we are in an entirely different sphere. Even though the needs of the body are met the mind can still be agitated. There is continual warfare between the mind of the flesh and the mind of the Spirit: "The mind of the flesh is death; but the mind of Spirit is life and peace" (Rom. 8:6). And we have to contend, not only with our own evil nature, but also with Satanic forces. Our warfare is against spiritual hosts of wickedness, and for the conflict the Lord has provided effective armour (see Eph. 6:10-18). Victory brings contentment.

Control of the mind is vital to the Christian. The poet confessed "No infants' changing pleasure is like my wandering mind". In Isaiah we read, "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee" (26:3), or, as in the RV marginal reading, "A steadfast mind Thou keepest in perfect peace". This divine promise of perfect peace, which of course brings contentment, carries with it responsibility on our part. We need a mind which is steadfast or established, and the key to this is the indwelling Spirit (see Rom. 8:

9,10).

Our study has shown that before there can be spiritual contentment a new birth, followed by new desires, is absolutely essential. Paul wrote to the Colossians, "Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are upon the earth" (3:2). There is so much around to depress. The apostle Paul not only experienced the corrupt state of human society but also endured deep personal sufferings, sometimes at the hands of men, sometimes by the power of the elements, and at other times amongst false brethren. The list of his sufferings in 2 Corinthians II gives us the measure of this great man's endurance. Yet he could say, "I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therein to be content" (Phil. 4:11), and again, "I count all things to be loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord" (3:8). He had indeed set his mind on the things that are above.

Today, with spiritual Babylon around us, there is also the problem of doctrinal discontent. The will of man and Satan's subtle working have resulted in numerous Christian groups seeking to do God's will in their own way. The young Christian is bewildered and wonders where he can plant his feet and find contentment with regard 10 the gathering of God's people. This magazine has sought over the years to set forth the scriptural pattern given in both the Old and New Testaments.

David wrote, "Our feet are standing within thy gates, 0 Jerusalem; Jerusalem, that art builded as a city compact together" (Psa. 122:

2,3). Jerusalem was the place God chose as the place of His rest. The history of the people of Israel shows that their only times of rest and national contentment were when they honoured His word and worshipped in the place of His choice. Similarly, in New Testament times, God's people were enjoined to carry out his will in a spiritual house. Here they too would find rest (Heb. 4:9)

On the personal plane the disciple of the Lord Jesus can find fulfilment and contentment only by increasing devotion to his Lord. In Isaiah 66:1,2 the place of God's rest and the personal condition of those who worship therein are closely linked: "Thus saith the LORD, the heaven is My throne, and the earth is My footstool: what manner of house will ye build unto Me? and what place shall be My rest?... to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and that trembleth at My word".

This personal exercise to express our devotion by humble service is aptly summed up in the lines:

"I ask Thee for the daily strength

To none that ask denied,

A mind to blend with outward life

While keeping at Thy side;

Content to fill a little space,

If Christ be glorified."

N. MacKay, Hamilton, Ontario | Jun 1975
General