Contentment

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By Beth, Singapore

The feelings were ambivalent. Clearing my wardrobe, I was astonished at the amount of clothes that I had. I resolved not to make unnecessary purchases and be contented with what I currently have. Yet, on another occasion, when I was examining my bank account, I was discontented with what I saw.

I wondered: Am I a lover of myself, a lover of money? Do I let possessions possess me? I still remember this classmate who handled her newly purchased white G-shock watch with great care, removing her watch with only paper napkins to prevent contact with her dirty fingers. I was surprised that she even wore it at all. There were also ladies who refused to leave their branded handbags on the floor or even on seats lest the handbags be defiled with who-knows-what-is-in-the-air. It seems that our tastes grow more epicurean and expensive as our salaries increase. Why can’t we be satisfied with the simple stuff anymore?

This led me to peruse 1 Timothy 6:6-8, 17-19.

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… … Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

Our contentment is grounded in verses 7 and 8: “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.” To cultivate contentment, I must grow in my conviction that there’s only one life to live, and whatever I accumulate in this lifetime would not follow me beyond my grave. Hence when our basic needs of food and clothing are met, we should be content with that. With this understanding, I recognize my need to grow in simplicity in tastes and lifestyle choices.

At the same time, this view must be balanced with the truth that God is the One who provides us with everything for our enjoyment (v.17). Christianity is not all about austerity and asceticism. May we bear in mind that He is not a sadistic God who forbids us from enjoying life.

That said, our hope and contentment should be found in God alone, and not material things.