Contentment

 

But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 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. (1 Timothy 6:6-10 ESV).

 

The closer we get to Thanksgiving, the easier it is to recall past family meals and the sheer contentment of such a wonderful meal. Our typical fare is a smoked turkey that Kyle has perfectly tended with a mixture of mesquite and apple woods and trimmings from the rest of the family. Mary’s specialty is candied yams; Brandy does incredible dressing and other vegetables; and, Aaron, who comes down for the holidays, does all the appetizers. I have nothing to do but carve the turkey which gives me the opportunity to sample along the way!

 

It is easy to reach that moment when you simply must sigh with contentment afterward. It’s a great feeling. In some cultures people have a saying that goes like this: “Full stomach, happy heart.” I am quick to say that the feelings of contentment last a good part of the day, though it does fade as I become hungry again. Somehow that extra slice of pumpkin or pecan pie begins to look quite desirable after a very short time.

 

In our reading today, the Apostle Paul is showing amazing virtue when he declares he is content to have food and clothing only. In other words, he is content with enough to live on from day to day, trusting that God will provide for each day. Paul’s contentment did not rely on gathering up possessions. He realized that stuff doesn’t last, and it can be taken from us at any moment. Paul’s relationship with God was the source of his contentment. Some people seem to think godliness is a means to financial gain, and thus contentment. They think that if God loves you, he will always bless you physically. They say if you claim a financial blessing in the name of the Lord, it will be yours. That is wrong. God does not promise we will be full of anything but the Holy Spirit. Being a Christian does not mean you deserve many fine things. It means Christ has called you out of darkness into the fullness of life. But fullness of life is not measured in goods; it is valued in immeasurable grace. That is life’s greatest treasure! That is the source of real contentment.