In the second installment of our "Steps to a Trouble Free Life" articles, I'd like to discuss the subject of contentment.  Why?  Because contentment is closely related to selfishness.  One who thinks solely about themselves is rarely satisfied with what they have.  So it makes sense that we take a look at contentment.  What does it mean to be content?  How can contentment make our live trouble free?  How can I be content?  These are the things that we want to understand.

The Problem

What does it mean to be content?  The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia defines "content" as, "To be free from care because of satisfaction with what is already one's own."  So, basically it means that we should have satisfaction in the things that we have.  How can contentment make our lives trouble free?  Have you ever experiences the restlessness that comes from always wanting something?  From our youth we want and have desires and are taught to have them.  These feelings are natural and a part of normal life.  After all, if we never have any desires, we will never achieve anything.  Trouble is introduced into our lives when we desire something so badly that we become discontent or unhappy with the things that we have.  This exceedingly strong desire leads doubly to unhappiness and trouble.  One who is discontent is not happy with the things that they have and will not be happy once they get the thing they think they want.  In essence, they will never be happy.  Do not be deceived, much trouble is needlessly placed in our lives because of discontent.  It is a big problem that we face, and a problem that we sometimes encourage.

The Remedy

The remedy is found in the Bible.  There are lots of passages that encourage use to be content.  Let's start with the basic concept of being content with what we have.  This is taught clearly in 1 Timothy..

1 Timothy 6:5-8 KJVR Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. (6) But godliness with contentment is great gain. (7) For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. (8) And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.

Paul writes about a misconception that people had.  They supposed that gain was godliness.  It may be easy for people to think that having much gain is a good thing.  Paul states those who think this are corrupt and destitute of the truth.  Materialism leads to difficulty.  Paul states that it is godliness coupled with contentment that really gains us something.  What does it gain us?  It definitely gains us peace of mind but also allows us to look forward to a better life.  Jesus teaches this plainly...

Matthew 6:19-21 KJVR Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: (20) But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: (21) For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

It is clear, we should not concern ourselves with catering to our every desire while we live upon earth.  Our desires should be spiritually motivated and our thoughts should be upon a better place.  I was once told by a financial advisor, "Some of my richest customers drive the oldest cars."  His point was not to squander money now on luxurious automobiles, homes, boats, etc. but to be content with a modest life and ultimately enjoy retirement.  It is often hard advise to take, but look at the two different outcomes.  A life at peace with what we have or as 1 Timothy continues...

1 Timothy 6:9-10 KJVR But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. (10) For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

When a person strives to become materially rich, they go through a sort of metamorphosis. They often begin to concentrate solely upon the wealth and the happiness they think it will bring them.  This leads to a sinful lifestyle that will leave a huge spiritual void and a perpetually discontent soul. Solomon realized this in his life...

Ecclesiastes 5:10 KJVR He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity.

Ecclesiastes 1:13-14 KJVR (13) And I gave my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all things that are done under heaven: this sore travail hath God given to the sons of man to be exercised therewith. (14) I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit.

Solomon looked everywhere for happiness and tried everything that he though would bring happiness.  His conclusion is as stated, Ecclesiastes 12:13 KJVR (13) "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man."

This is the conclusion we must make about contentment.  We need to be content with the things we are blessed with and place our interests in serving God.  As in the previous article, here are some other good scriptures to study on the subject.

• The Rich Young Ruler - Mark 10:17-27
• Gaining the World - Mark 8:34-37
• The Rich Man with the Plentiful Harvest - Luke 12:16-31

Conclusion

I hope that this article helps you to think about being satisfied with such things as you are blessed with.  Contentment is always a challenge but with God, all things are possible.  I also hope that you will look forward to the third installment of this series of articles, which will discuss "Looking Inward".  This will help us reflect on the thoughts already discussed and lead into the rest of the topics.