The Jewel of Contentment: A Sparkling Diamond Against a Black Backdrop

Those who have a contented life are a blessing to be around and sport a life worthy of replication. The world is far too full of grumblers and complainers – they are as common as weeds in a garden. Yet, the contented shine brightly and are as a breath of fresh air to those in their spheres. When godliness is coupled with contentment there is great gain Paul writes. These are those who are as diamonds amidst paste gems, bright lights that shine like the stars in the universe. They stand out because contentment is a rare jewel indeed but one we are all called to and most often long for. God desires for us to want what He wants for our lives and that is to walk as Jesus did – to be conformed into His image in ever increasing measure. Believers have the power through the indwelling Holy Spirit to accomplish this “unattainable in the flesh apart from the Holy Spirit” command found in 1 John 2:6 (NIV): “Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.”

God has not left us as orphans to accomplish this great task, He will help us on our journey’s home to Him – through His power and for His glory. He has promised He will. The writer of Hebrews tells us in Hebrews 13:5-6 (NIV): “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’ So we say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?’” 

We are obviously not born with contentment. When a baby arrives on this earth it is often found kicking and screaming and tight fisted because it was taken from its warm surroundings - well fed - though certainly cramped – and brought into the bright lights of a cold operating room with unfamiliar surroundings, sounds and feelings. And all they are able to do is scream bloody murder more than likely because that is not where they want to be – at first anyway. The security of their mother’s womb has been taken away and it is a whole new world as God would have it. Yet, we can trust the One whose plans are to prosper and not harm us; plans that give us hope and a future. Perhaps different plans from once we imagined though good plans nonetheless. The baby gets cleaned and swaddled and smothered with love in its mother’s arms and is contented. This is a great lesson when God takes us into different places in life - for our best - and we tend to go kicking and screaming in lieu of embracing with joy what He allows. Further, contentment is a learned secret. The great Apostle Paul writes in Philippians 4:12-13 (NIV): “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.” Everything. We can trust Him with our lives and the lives of all we hold near and dear.