A DEFINITION OF CONTENTMENT
Contentment is margin for your soul.
"It's healthy to be content, but envy can eat you up." Proverbs 14:30 (CEV)
LEARNING THE SECRET OF BEING CONTENT
"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:11-13 (NIV)
THREE TRUTHS ABOUT CONTENTMENT
- Contentment isn't found in what I have
"I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty." Philippians 4:12a (NIV)
- Contentment isn't found in what happens to me
"I have learned the secret in being content in any and every situation, whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want." Philippians 4:12b (NIV)
- Two key words: here and now
- Don't confuse contentment with complacency
- Contentment isn't found in comparing myself with others
"We do not dare classify or compare ourselves . . . It is not wise." 2 Corinthians 10:12 (NIV)
Action Plan: Download theGratitude Worksheetfrom the 40 Days of Prayer series and fill it out again. Use it in your quiet times this week as you think about contentment.
Three Boats We Board That Take Us To Comparison
- Community Circle
- Social Circle
- Fear of Missing Out
FIVE KEY ACTIONS FOR FINDING CONTENTMENT
Enrolling in the School of Contentment
- Put your hope in God
"Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is uncertain, but to put their hope in God." 1 Timothy 6:17a (NIV)
- Focus on what you have and not on what you don't have.
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Philippians 4:6 (NIV)
- Enjoy what you have
"(God), who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment." 1 Timothy
Action Plan: Carve out time this week to do an activity that brings you joy. Let God know how thankful you are for his goodness toward you.
- Invest in what lasts forever
"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." 1 Timothy 6:18-19 (NIV)
- Find your sufficiency in Christ
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13 (NKJV)
Action Plan: Do you have a go-to playlist of worship music? Make a playlist for yourself that helps you re-focus on Jesus. For inspiration, check out Saddleback Worship's YouTube Channelhere.
REMEMBER: God is with you!
Doable Discipleship: This week's episode of Doable Discipleship starts a new series called "Not Your Sunday School Jesus." New episodes release every Tuesday. To watch or listen,click here.
Talk It Over: Have you ever discussed the weekend message in your small group? Talk It Over provides weekly small group discussion questions as a way to bring the weekend message into your small group. To view this week's Talk It Over,click here.
