Godliness with contentment is great gain. 1 Tim. 6:6

Most Americans comprise that 5% part of the world’s population that possesses 95% of the world’s wealth. It doesn’t take long to figure out that in spite of material options and resources discontentment still reigns. Enough is never enough. We always want more and savvy marketers understand that and make sure we are constantly reminded of it.

We might assume that the other 95% with little or nothing are fatalistically content with their circumstances. But that is not true. The poor worry about what to eat or even where to sleep. They envy the rich and will even steal from each other to get more. Discontentment is just as rampant among the poor as it is the rich. Contentment is the illusive longing of every human being, no matter what the circumstance. So, where do we find contentment?

Paul said he had learned the secret of contentment in any and every situation (Phil. 4:12). Contrary to what we often think, contentment is something beyond simply being satisfied with our circumstances. Contentment is a matter of the heart. Which brings us to Hallmark #8 of a blessed and guarded heart: A CONTENTED HEART.

So what is this ‘secret’ to learning contentment that Paul mentions? It is revealed in one basic attitude or perspective of life that Paul expresses in the very next verse: “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.”  The secret is this—a contented heart knows Christ intimately and has learned to place all hope solely in Him. He alone gives me the strength to do anything, including be content.

In fact, each of the heart hallmarks we have discussed in the last few posts are rooted in this foundational truth. A heart that is humble, repentant, submissive, wholehearted, merciful, undivided, peaceable and contented is one who has learned to fully trust in God and walk in His strength. Such a person has learned to set his or her mind on things above, not on earthly things. The blessed and guarded heart is one that has learned to rest in the shalom of God, not the false promises of the world.

Grandparents, sometimes unknowingly we promote discontentment among our grandchildren by lavishing them with all sorts of worldly gifts and material pleasures. There is nothing wrong with giving good gifts to our children and grandchildren. Yet, we must seek to bring balance into their lives by showing them that these things are not the source of contentment or happiness. Rather, it is our relationship with Christ, who has made us in His image, and our trust in an omnipotent and loving God that leads us into a place of purpose, contentment and peace.

We are commanded to “be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen (or, things that matter because God has done them) or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them…” (Deut. 4:9). Let your grandchildren know that your contentment is about your trust in God and who you are in Him, not the variable circumstances of your life.

Ravi Zacharias wrote, “Until we see in ourselves the uniqueness of God’s touch, we will always want to be someone else (and I might add, want something else) and will live under the illusion that being someone else (or getting something else) would be better.” We have a responsibility to help our grandchildren understand that contentment in rooted in gratitude to the One who loves them and wants the best for them. Let the example of your life show them the path to a contented, blessed and guarded heart. For there they will find true rest for their souls.

GRANDPAUSE: It is not whether things could be better or worse but that the heart celebrates the privilege of knowing the Giver who will withhold no good thing from them who love Him. -Ravi Zacharias