Godliness with Contentment

“Easier said than done,” an aphorism that is often true, but sometimes used as an excuse for not attempting what has been said. Considering Paul’s call for “godliness with contentment,” and then combining two of the definitions I have offered, one for godliness and another for contentment, we get at what he means and we can appreciate why someone might respond, “Easier said than done.” The welding of the two definitions results in, “living as one should who believes in God [while possessing] internal satisfaction which does not demand changes in external circumstances.” 

Any sincere Christian says, “I want to live as one should who believes in God,” but few can readily add, “No matter where that obedience leads me.” Getting to that place is a sign of maturity and something that even the apostle had to grow into: “I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content” (Philippians 4:11). And he had been in some serious situations! “Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea; on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers; in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure” (2 Corinthians 11:24-27) Such is the catalogue of circumstances that resulted from his godliness, and he testifies that through it he learned to be content. Easier said than done? Yes, but apparently, it can be done.

It is not unexpected that some would ask how being content squares with working hard to achieve goals, or endeavoring to change circumstances. Does wanting something other than the status quo represent discontent? I don't think so. Perhaps it would be helpful to speak of negative discontent and positive discontent. Negative discontent gives rise to grumbling, complaining, envy, covetousness. Positive discontent looks at a situation and seeks wisdom and means by which it can made better, all the while trusting that God is in the midst of the situation. And, if in the end there is nothing to be done about the current state of affairs, trust that God is ‘on the throne’ remains.

Our ability to be content whatever the circumstances is fostered by trusting God’s promises. This principle is evident in Hebrews 13:5. The writer offers teaching regarding money that is similar to Paul’s admonition in 1 Timothy: “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have.” But he goes on to support his directive by reminding his readers of God’s promise, “for he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’” That promise of all-encompassing care, grounded in the character of an all-righteous God, points our faith to the one who can and will “work all things together for good” for “those who love God . . . who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). With our faith fueled by his promises we can say with Paul, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).