Be Content: Hebrews 13:5-6 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. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. 1. The admonition: "Be content with such things as ye have" a) "Be content with such things as you have," not with things as you once had not with things as you hope to have, but with things as you have now. i) Because life is made of seasons and times. Be content (trust and rest in God; don't fret,) with what you have until your season changes. So enjoy the journey even before you get to the destination. There are things that are beyond you to change. Be content. ii) Age/Mid life crisis. Have seen men and women who struggle with normal change in their lives. They are in their sixties and still want to dress and act like teenagers; older men look for excitement from younger women or older women go for younger men. Ecclesiastes 6:9 Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the desire:this is also vanity and vexation of spirit. Ecclesiastes 9:9 Live joyfully with the wife whom thou lovest all the days of the life of thy vanity, which he hath given thee under the sun, all the days of thy vanity:for that is thy portion in this life, and in thy labour which thou takest under the sun. iii) Wealth/money and stuff...be content when you have the basic; food, clothing 1 Timothy 6:6-10 But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil:which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
Our prayers should have more thanksgiving than, give me, give me, give me... b) For so many it is almost impossible to say I have enough. Genesis 33:9-11 And Esau said, I have enough, my brother; keep that thou hast unto thyself. And Jacob said, Nay, I pray thee, if now I have found grace in thy sight, then receive my present at my hand:for therefore I have seen thy face, as though I had seen the face of God, and thou wast pleased with me. Take, I pray thee, my blessing that is brought to thee; because God hath dealt graciously with me, and because I have enough. And he urged him, and he took it. The spirit of contentment help bring a reconciliation between two warring brothers. Many family disputes over inheritance, authority, money would be solved if there was contentment. Many business partners, sibling fights, church disputes etc "Enough is as good as a feast". 2. The Benefits: i) Contentment is true wealth. To be content is to be rich and well off. He is the rich man who has no wants, and requires no more. It is not a question of income or wealth. ii) Contentment brings freedom in your life. To be content is to be independent; free from manipulation. I don't have strive, beg, lick any ones boots, please any one, prostitute myself etc. iii) Contentment brings peace in a heart. Philippians 4:12-13 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound:every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. When your source, identity, self-worth is in God (not created things or stuff) your life will be characterized by contentment, quite confidence and peace. 3. The Reasons Christians should be contented a) "He has said.." Notice Paul does not promise earthly goods, pleasure or temporary reward. He simply states; "He has said.." In the face of lack and need remind yourself what God has said. Know the promises. Nothing is able to deal with anxiety, worry, lack, accusation, critics, haters like the word of God. The lawyers use old cases and previous court judgments when arguing their cases. Use the word. The Bible must be your book of reference and precedents. God has spoken that settles it. b) "..never leave you..." On this side of heaven everything will leave you. Change is the Universal law. But God says, "I will never leave you!" c) "The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me." As a shepherd He knows what is best. Be delivered from the fear of men, peoples opinion and judgement. God is the final judge, He has the final say but He is also your shepherd.Be Content
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