Contentment

There must be something to the fact that contentment is seen in the scriptures so often in the context of money (Luke 3:14,Heb 13:5, Phil 4:11, 1 Tim 6:6). Not only is this context reflected in these verses but the idea is confirmed in my experiences with the way people seek out more to satisfy themselves. I don't think that people would come out and tell you that they think that "stuff" will satisfy them, for they probably know this at the bottom of their hearts. However it seems like material gain is the common substitute that people seek to meet this deeper need. This is why all the warnings to be content with what you have in scripture are given. God knows we have this tendency to accumulate to compensate for true contentment.

Observations about contentment
Philippians 4:11: Paul had to learn contentment, perhaps at times against his will when he didn't have enough. What will it take for us to learn contentment being familiar with having a lot and a little. Also I think that the context within which Paul writes this comment is interesting for he is asking the church at Philippi for provision. He is saying that listen it's not like I am in need but I'm giving you the opportunity to give and share in this gift.

1 Tim 6:6-8, makes such a profound statement about contentment in that it is godliness coupled with contentment that is of real value. Knowing as he says in the next verse "for we brought nothing into the world and we can take nothing out of it" that it's not all about us but about God can free us to be content with our relationship with him. The contentment possible for Christians is so much more lasting than the world as it is founded on the eternal God and not things that are passing away like our stuff and even ourselves.