But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.** 1 Timothy 6:6-10 (NIV)**
Nothing is deserved – God will be no man’s debtor and therefore everything is to be taken graciously with gratitude and contentment. We came into this world with nothing in our hands and we will leave this world empty handed as well. Further, what do we have that we did not receive and if we did receive it, how then can we complain or boast? God desires a grateful heart from His children as He is the Giver of all things. Everything from His Hand is given in love and with purpose whether we perceive that or not, it is still true. Therefore, we are to be the most grateful of people – no murmuring or complaining is suitable for the child of the King. What He allows is always for our best interest – even though often difficult. Sometimes we may not even know the “why” this side of heaven. Yet, one fine day all will be made pristinely clear.
There is nothing random, chance or happenstance with God. He orchestrates all things for His glory and for our good. He sees the end from the beginning and is never taken by surprise and He has a plan which is perfect and pleasing. We can trust Him with our lives and with the lives of all we hold dear. For the Lord is the Giver of all things. When we murmur and complain against the One Who satisfies our needs we are in His eyes ungrateful servants. God in His infinite wisdom knows what portions are best for us – what to give and what to hold back. His desire is to make us like our older brother, Jesus, and all allowed is towards that wonderful end. The Shepherd and not the sheep know the greenest pasture and what is the very best for His flock.
It does us well to remember that contentment is not a given rather a learned secret. Paul writes in Philippians 4:10-13 (NIV): “I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”
Our happiness does not lie in abundance rather in contentment. Our spiritual miseries can be caused by a warring between our flesh and our conscience or by our affections and our conditions. We are to be content with our lot as it was sent straight from God’s Hand and we are not to kick against His best. Contentment is beauty to behold – both winsome and wonderful. With Jesus our cups are full to overflowing. All else is superfluous. Perhaps nice but not necessary. The Father loves us each individually and gives us exactly what is best for us therefore we are to be content with what His gracious Hand bestows. There is purpose in all.
Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work--this is a gift of God. He seldom reflects on the days of his life, because God keeps him occupied with gladness of heart. Ecclesiastes 5:19-20 (NIV)