1Timothy 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.

Contentment:

Define it.

Being contented in Christ is what happens when our joy is found in him. God is holy and my transformation in Christ is not merely enough, it is everything. Being satisfied in Christ is the greatest riches. It is the gain in my life that keeps me seeking in full satisfaction at every moment along the way. Contentment is an everlasting all satisfying joy and peace.

What are its divisions or parts.

Contentment is firstly composed of an emptiness of want. It is what it is not – unsatisfied. It is a restfulness in the now. It neither needs nor wants because it has all it needs now and not yet. It is a present reality, but it is a future reality. If we want in the future, it is because we have no true contentment now. You can’t say that you’re content now but later in life experience a dissatisfied want as if you do not have enough; such questions your current contentment. We must say that true contentment resides continuously. Contentment must also contain joy. How can we be content in that which brings misery. You cannot be content with misery but you can be content while experiencing a time of misery. Contentment has an understanding or sight of completion. “Not quite” doesn’t cut it because contentment needs to be inseparably linked to something ultimate. Contentment is directed by heart focus – our greatest desire. Its value is in the satisfaction found in its Object. If the Object of the desire is sub perfect, there will be no achievement of true contentment – at least not eternally.

What is its cause and what does it cause?

Contentment then can only be caused by my desire being totally upon that which is wholly perfect. How can I possibly think to find contentment in anything less than that which is the very definition of joy and satisfaction and is infinitely self-satisfying. It is caused by sharing in the ultimate reality of glorious perfection. Contentment then causes the glorious praise of the Object in which it finds its true satisfaction.

What is its place or use?

When that Perfect is found, our joy is complete. It’s keeps us from the errors of the world. For example, our contentment cannot be found in the nothingness of Atheism or the nirvana of Buddhism. Neither non-existence nor the hazy nothingness of nirvana is an explanation of contentment. Both are only ideas for the end of discontentment. Contentment is conscious. It’s a true joy and peace and rest and it is an ultimate conscious glory. The consideration of contentment then produces the entire realm of gratitude because the Object of desire is its ultimate source. In this object, everything that has been promised is given in perfection. A true understanding of contentment shows us that it cannot be found in the world or the philosophies of man. It is therefore used to fight against the wants of the world. It must come from beyond the sun and indeed from beyond the realm of an imperfect universe.

What are its qualities?

Contentment has the qualities that everyone wants – joy, love, comfort, peace, holiness, glory, satisfaction, ownership, the need of nothing, the possession of everything, a clear conscience, forgiveness and the eradication of sin and condemnation and ultimate judgment. It is consciously joyful and satisfied without anxiety in the future. This is possible only for me when I pursue Christ and when he is my everything. It is in Him alone.

What is contrary or opposite?

Everything that has been marred by sin and cannot be a source of complete eternal redemption cannot be a source of true contentment. Popularity, money, things, people lifestyle, food, fun, worldly pursuits, career, family, church, nature, and any identity outside of Christ. They are all sub-perfect and capable of being corrupted by sin. No eternal satisfaction is found in any of them.

What is it similar to?

Contentment really has no comparison. It has reached its target. To be content in living in this world which is sub-perfect is only possible if all our faith and hope is beyond it. That which is already complete can only be found in the restoration work of Jesus who has already done it and is forever King over it. Often we use the word contentment for menial situations. We can be content with our work having completed a job. This may bring a small picture of contentment, but it is not the great ultimate contentment that is incomparable.

What are its titles?

Contentment can be known by fulness and completion and an eternal incorruptible state of glory. In theology, its best title would be found in the doctrine of eschatology because contentment is found in the completed work of Christ and certain hope of a glorious and eternal consummation.

What are the Scriptural testimonies?

Jesus saying, “Into your hands I commend my spirit.”

Stephen joyfully looking to his Lord while the Jews were stoning him.

Paul explaining that he has it regardless of his worldly provisions being in plenty or need.

Peter answering Jesus to feed his sheep regardless of that fact that it would mean his death.

The list of Martyrs in Hebrews 11 and every Christian martyr since.

The Apostle John exiled for the sake of Christ.

The widow who gives away her last coin.

Every man, woman and child who forsakes all for the sake of Christ.