Content(ment) – Part
I
Question: What is “contentment” for a
Christian?
Question: How is forgiveness related to contentment?
Per dictionary.com the term “content(ment)” is:
-
“the state of being contented;
satisfaction; ease of mind.”
-
“happiness with one's situation in life.”
Per wikipedia.org the term “content(ment)” is:
Contentment refers to the neuro-physiological
experience of satisfaction and being at
ease in one's situation, bodymind
. . .
The following is per Easton's 1897 Bible Dictionary on “contentment”:
“a state of mind in which one's desires
are confined to his lot whatever it may be
(1 Tim. 6:6; 2 Cor. 9:8). It is opposed to envy
(James 3:16), avarice (Heb. 13:5),
ambition (Prov. 13:10), anxiety (Matt. 6:25, 34), and
repining (1 Cor. 10:10). It arises
from the inward disposition, and is the offspring of humility, and of an
intelligent
consideration of the rectitude and benignity of divine providence (Ps. 96:1, 2;
145), the
greatness of the divine promises (2 Pet. 1:4), and our own unworthiness (Gen.
32:10); as
well as from the view the gospel opens up to us of rest and peace hereafter
(Rom. 5:2).”
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Now let’s look at Scripture referenced in
Gen. 32:10
(NIV):
9 Then Jacob prayed, "O God of my
father Abraham, God of my father Isaac,
O LORD, who said to me, 'Go back to
your country and your relatives, and
I will make you prosper,'
10 I am unworthy
of all the kindness and faithfulness you have shown your servant.
I had only my staff when I crossed
this
11 Save me, I pray, from the hand of my
brother Esau, for I am afraid he will come
and attack me, and also the mothers
with their children.
Prov. 13:10 (NIV):
9 The light of the righteous shines brightly, but the
lamp of the wicked is snuffed out.
10 Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in
those who take advice.
11 Dishonest money dwindles
away, but he who gathers money little by little
makes it grow.
Matt. 6:25, 34
(NIV):
24 "No one can serve two masters.
Either he will hate the one and love the other,
or he will be devoted to the one
and despise the other. You cannot serve both
God and Money.
33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness,
and all these things will be given
to you as well.
34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow
will worry about itself.
Each day has enough trouble of its
own.
1 Tim. 6:6
(NIV):
5 and constant friction between men of
corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the
truth and who think that godliness is a
means to financial gain.
6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.
7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take
nothing out of it.
2 Cor. 9:8 (NIV):
7 Each man should give what he has
decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or
under compulsion, for God loves a
cheerful giver.
8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so
that in all things at all times,
having all that you need, you will
abound in every good work.
9 As it is written:
"He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his
righteousness endures forever."
Questions:
Question: What is “contentment” for a
Christian?
Question: How is forgiveness related to contentment?
References:
The following websites were referenced on July 20, 2007:
http://www.biblegateway.com http://www.dictionary.com
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contentment
http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/m/mohandasga160874.html