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Pastoral Perspectives

Be Contented

Depending upon which angle you are looking at, “comparing” and “competing” are not healthy and helpful. “Comparing” causes us to be dissatisfied with what we are and what we have. “Competing” causes us to be proud and be desirous of being better than others. It reveals that one is afraid of losing out. I am not saying that “comparing” and “competing” are harmful and hurtful. Coming back to the subject of “comparing”, I am reminded of 2 Corinthians 10:12 which states that “Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding.” Here in this Bible verse, it teaches us that it is not wise to compare ourselves with others. “Comparing” can lead us to “coveting” which in turn leads to greed. How then can we overcome the attitude of comparing ourselves with others? Let us look at the apostle Paul’s attitude in the Epistle to the Philippians.

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).

What can we learn from these three Bible verses? Do we see ourselves as someone who are really in need? Will God not provide for our needs? We know that God is our gracious provider. What God has provided for us, should we not be contented? The apostle Paul had learnt whatever situation he was in to be contented. Let us also learn to be contented whatever situation which we are in. We know that our gracious God will help us by giving us the strength to do it. When we have contentment in our heart, we will not compare ourselves with others and we will also not covet. When we are contented with what we are and what we have, our daily Christian life will be peaceful and joyful. We will not fall into the traps of covetousness and greed. How then can we learn further about the attitude of being contented? Let us look at the apostle Paul’s attitude in the First Epistle to Timothy.

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).

What can we learn from these five Bible verses? Interestingly, we see the subject of contentment being brought to light in these Bible verses. It clearly reiterates that godliness, by itself, is not enough and no good. Godliness needs to be coupled with contentment. Godliness with contentment is great gain. Hence, it is right and true to say that having food and clothing, we shall be contented. What more do we want or should we long after? We need to be mindful of the dangers of covetousness and greed. When we are contented, we will not fall into the trap of having the love of money in our life and ministry. We will also not become dissatisfied with what we already are and have. Did you see what happened to those who desire to be rich fall themselves into? They fell into the danger of temptation. Indeed, we learn in this Bible verse that the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils.

So, to live a life which is pleasing to God, let us be contented with who we are and what we have. Let us have godliness with contentment for it is great gain. Our gracious and loving God is moulding us to be more and more like His beloved Son Jesus Christ. One true aspect of being Christ-like is “to be contented.” When we pursue Christ, we will be contented. This reminds me of Psalm 23:1 which states that “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”

Therefore, when the Lord Jesus Christ is your Shepherd, you will be contented. Amen. Let us be the good sheep following after the Good Shepherd. In Christ, we are fully satisfied and sanctified. Amen.