Apr 23 Devotion: Contentment

Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

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

         The word “conversation” is not defined in this context as a dialogue between two or more people, but means the way in which we conduct our lives. It is the manner by which we live. It is observable by others and is a point by which we are judged. The writer here tells us that the way we live should not have “covetousness” as a practiced principle. We need to be “content” with such things as we have. This is a satisfaction that finds no need to look elsewhere for something bigger or better. It says to be “content” with what we have.

         It is important that we don’t miss what the source of our contentment really is and it tells us what this is right in the text. Jesus said, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” So, what do we “have” as a child of God? We have Jesus. What else could we want? God told Abraham why he should be content. Genesis 15:1, “After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.” God was his protector and his reward. How could you have something greater than God? Is there some level above having God as your reward? Is there something greater than having the promise of the continual presence of God in your life? What else could you want than to know that he will never leave or forsake you? If you can think of something, it is because you have been deceived by the lies of the devil.

         Now, the verse in 1 Timothy declares that “godliness with contentment is great gain”. What are we seeking after? What drives us? Most people would not say “godliness”, but it should be the preferred goal of the child of God. When it is, we are content when we see God working in us to his glory. We will be thankful for all he has done for us and, in sincerity, desire to please him. The truth is, to genuinely be content; it can only be found in our relationship with God. So, I wonder how many are truly content? Our contentment will be found in truth, not in deception. God is the author of contentment. The devil is the author of the counterfeit.

In Christ’s Service,

Bro. Adrian Moore

2 Cor. 4:5