April 2022
Lesson 1: Godliness with Contentment
Description
Growing up, I was taught a phrase which I always thought was a bible verse (it is not, I’ve checked). The phrase goes like this:
“Be content with what you have, even though it is much; For God knows why it is so, and yours is only to anchor on it”
The first question I wanted to understand then is, what does it mean to be content? I know that the bible says “Godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Timothy 6:6-7), but what is contentment? and how can we be content? Does that mean that we are more passive or we do not need to have goals or plans for the future? What is the gain that it brings? is this monetary gain?
Oxford’s dictionary defines contentment as “a feeling of happiness or satisfaction”. Usually, we find happiness or satisfaction in our work or in the things we have or have access to. But as believers, where should our satisfaction be found? the answer to that will give us an idea of how to be content.
The short answer to the question of where our satisfaction can be found is located in the book of Matthew. Jesus says “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Matthew 6:33 When we seek God first, we are fully focused on Him, we are content in the circumstance or situation we are facing. As we live our normal lives, we have fears and worries that are legitimate. We have concerns over things that we need to survive in this life and God understands that we need these things. Luke 12:29-31 speaks to this; it says:
“And do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind. 30 For all these things the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that you need these things. 31 But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you.”
This means that God knows all the things that we need to thrive and He will provide. As long as we seek him, He will provide for us.
When our focus is on alleviating the fears and worries on our own by striving for riches, which we believe would solve our problems, we leave ourselves open to covetousness (Luke 12:15). This does not mean that riches are evil, 1 Timothy says its “the love of money” that is the root of all kinds of evil (1 Timothy 6:10). If you desire riches, be careful because it can lead to many evil. An do not put your hope in the riches because they are fleeting (Proverbs 23:4-5). Work hard, earn your wealth/riches, but do not let it rule over your life. God is always more important than that wealth.
Lesson 2: Discouragement and Condemnation
Description
Lately, I find myself being easily discouraged. This has been mostly due to plans that I have made (for my life and for my future) either just not working out at all or being put in jeopardy due to circumstances beyond my control.
It is in these circumstances, that the devil thrives. When he can speak to our minds and reinforce the negative thoughts and feelings that we are already experiencing and grow this bad seed into something much worse. You begin to condemn yourself, thinking of all the ways the things you said or did led to the situation you are in; or how if only you had done something else or done things differently you would not be in this situation.
Our focus instead should be on God who says (Romans 8:1).
“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.”
So if God does not condemn us, why do we allow our minds to condemn us? why do we begin to speak such negative thoughts to ourselves? why do we allow our souls to be cast down? (Psalm 42:5).
Application
This is all a lie of the devil. In this life, we will experience unpleasant things that we do not expect. It is our job as believers to remember the word of Jesus when He was telling His disciples that He will be returning to the father John 16:33.
“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
In this world we will have all sorts of challenges and each one will affect us a little differently. but in all of them, as long as we focus on God we do not need to be afraid, we do not need to be discouraged, we do not need to condemn ourselves. Instead we need to speak the word of truth, the word of God to our life, to our situation. No situation/circumstance is greater than the God we serve.
Prayer
Lord God, help me so that in the midst of discouraging circumstances, that I will turn to you. I will hope in You instead of allowing condemnation to flow within me. Help me to continually trust that You are in control of every situation that I face and that You are perfecting me through all of it in Jesus name. Amen!