The gift of contentment makes living in a broken world enjoyable. I never understood how to stay satisfied with my life until God saved me. Today, I look forward to spending time with Christ thanking God for His love, grace, and mercy.

In the world, contentment has no place. Our society seeks instant gratification. Technology continues to influence the way people live. Big tech uses an algorithm to tempt us. This technique breeds discontentment. Besides technology, companies use advertisements with emotional triggers (fear, lust, greed, etc.) to seal their sales. Money brings added displeasure.

I’m not implying that advancement in technology doesn’t help our Christian lives. God uses the internet to spread Christ’s deity. For example, the Covid-19 pandemic allowed churches to share their sermons online, bypassing the zero attendance policy of local and state governments. And immediate access to God’s word through Christian websites helps our spiritual knowledge.

Man created technology intending to serve the world.

In God’s kingdom, humility and gratitude give birth to contentment. Our focus stays on Christ’s words and not on personal needs with these essential principles. I’m not saying we don’t get discouraged by our circumstances. I get frustrated over problems, but these biblical attributes keep me anchored in faith.

Contentment and Humility

One gift the Holy Spirit gives is humility. This four-syllable word makes the devil flee (James 4:7). It grabs God’s attention and pleases Christ.

When I cast aside my individualism and humble myself to God, I discover He fills my life with love and peace. My purpose in life switches from one centered on myself to a faithful follower of Christ. I’m no longer seeking personal gain but picking up my cross (Luke 9:23-24) and abiding by Jesus. This transformation from darkness into Christ’s light (John 1:4-5) regenerates my heart.

Humility leads to contentment. The humbler we become, our satisfaction with what we own increases. When I place Christ first, my wants lessen, leading to a contented life.

Christ uncovered God’s wisdom on humility.

Jesus shared this:

Blessed are the meek,

For they shall inherit the earth.

Matthew 5:5

Christ shows humility brings an inheritance of the earth.

What does inheriting the earth mean?

Here’s Jesus’s answer:

Your kingdom come,

Your will be done

On earth as it is in heaven.

Matthew 6:10

Christ identifies God’s kingdom comes both here on earth and in heaven. By putting humility into action, we glorify the Lord. And the Holy Spirit guides us in living a modest life where gratitude replaces our passion for wanting more. Remember, God is preparing us for heaven, and He commands us to live humbly (Psalm 25:9).

God exalts humility (James 4:10 Luke 14:11). He’s pleased with those who show others meekness. Selfless service is an excellent demonstration of humility in action. When we give our time, effort, and resources to others, God embraces us with love.     

These are a few examples from God’s word on humility, as shown above. Both the New and Old Testaments fill themselves with truths on the significance of modesty.

Attitude of Gratitude

When we add gratitude to our walk-in, Christ’s contentment arises. Being thankful for what we have instead of chasing after our wants shows God our willingness to live His will. An attitude of gratitude catches the Lord’s attention, and in return, He blesses us with grace.

A thankful spirit shows God our appreciation for His incredible provisions. By abiding in Christ and following the Holy Spirit’s guidance, we discover the essence of contentment. As the result of thanking God, we realize our worries over clothing, food, and shelter lessen or disappear.

Here’s something we both can agree God’s gift of salvation makes us grateful for His undeniable mercy. We serve an unbelievable God who sacrificed His Son to forgive sin. Through receiving a place in His kingdom, He spares eternal condemnation. For this reason, I’m forever grateful to Him for saving me from the evil one.

Hebrews reminds us to show God gratitude.

Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe,

Hebrews 12:28

Apostle Paul teaches us to give thanks in every circumstance. Here I face challenges because I struggle with gratitude during trying times. But the more I trust in God’s eternal plan, the easier it is to give thanks during tribulations.

Paul said:

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Did you notice Paul starts by showing us to rejoice and always pray? It’s through combining joy and prayer we can express thankfulness. These powerful spiritual principles keep us trusting Christ’s Deity.

Given these points, we see how an attitude of gratitude leads to contentment.

My Experience

Before God saved me, contentment never emerged. I chased after my wants expecting happiness but ended up dissatisfied. Everything I tried to make my life worthwhile failed. This behavior led to spiritual bankruptcy.

Christ changed the way I respond to life. My focus isn’t on materialism. Instead, I seek God’s will and offer selfless service to my ability.

One area of life in which contentment blossoms is not being married. After my divorce, God showed me; His purpose wasn’t in marriage. Friends ask me why I’m not married or dating. When I respond and let them know God’s will isn’t for me to be a spouse, they can’t grasp the answer. I’ve contended with this commandment.

Besides my single status, my job and finances are enough. I have money to pay bills, and I have a little leftover. I’m contented with money and express my gratitude to God for His provisions.

In conclusion, the gift of contentment brings satisfaction to our lives. Through the Holy Trinity, our outlook on life changes. And in Christ, we gain God’s wisdom on how to stay satisfied with our salvation.

How does contentment work in your life?