The Quest for Contentedness?

 We look forward to Christmas bringing us some higher degree of happiness and contentment. But what would you do to find contentment if you had the unlimited resources to do so?

It would be easy to be jealous of someone like Dudley Moore, the famed British comedian, who could make people laugh and had a reputation as being a ladies’ man. Surely he could make himself the life of every party he attended, and potentially had the pick of many adoring female fans. He also had successful movies and no shortage of money.

But he was married and divorced 4 times, and who knows how many other temporary relationships he had with women along with the accompanying heartaches and disappointments? 

It would be fair to suggest that lasting contentment falls far short of defining the life of Dudley Moore. It is a common understanding that riches and fame do not guarantee lasting peace in people’s lives. But surely the same could be said of those who have nothing and suffer. The Apostle Paul in the Bible was a man who knew power and privilege as a young man. But in reflecting on his later life he gives this account:

Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers. I have laboured and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked.¹

But Paul also says: 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 everything through him (Jesus Christ) who gives me strength.²

How indeed can any one claim such contentment in such adversity? We could be forgiven initially for thinking Paul is either mad or telling us fairy tales. However, his sincerity was never doubted by his faithful coworkers, and he continued enthusiastically to spread the good news of eternal salvation in Christ to everyone as he had opportunity. Paul’s writings continue to offer hope, salvation, and the contentment in all things that we all long for. So how is it that those who have trusted in Christ as Lord and God, have opportunity to experience this contentment?

We can never doubt that our God has created each and every one of us for a purpose.³ The problem is that we decide to live a life that is contrary to God’s design for us. I remember once accidentally putting the wrong petrol in my mower. For a while the mower went fine, but then it revved violently and stopped. It never went again and the job of finishing my yard was not completed.

So it is with us. Why do we suffer such discontent in our lives? Why so many disappointments and broken relationships? Perhaps we have filled our lives with the wrong petrol. The petrol of what we think is good for us instead of the petrol our creator God has designed for us and knows will be a blessing to us.

Paul was empowered by the petrol God designed him for; God’s will and purpose for his life. What that meant is no matter what the adversity, he knew in the end he would complete his task for which he was destined even before he was born. He had alongside him God’s Holy Spirit, who will give us all comfort and strength through all things.

Paul was eventually beheaded during Nero’s persecution. But in his last letter was able to write, with complete contentment, I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in-store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day - and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His (Jesus Second Coming) appearing.⁴

Christmas can be a sad time for those of us who are lonely or discontented. But Christmas does point to Christ, and in Him you will find the contentment the so-called “good life” can never bring. Why not talk to a Christian person you know before the holidays this year, to tap into this peace of knowing your God’s eternal comforting presence? This is the greatest Christmas present of all.

Everyman’s Commissioner Ken Matthews

Ph: (02) 8762 1503 Fax: (02) 8762 1509 Mob: 0413 074 818

kenneth.matthews@defence.gov.au