What Keeps Me from Growing (6 of 10) - Discontentment

The Downside of Discontent
Here are some things you should think about regarding discontent.
1. Discontent changes our focus.
2. Discontent is a personal attack on God.
3. Discontentment retards our spiritual growth.

How Do We Cultivate Contentment?
1. Work at it! Paul had to “learn” contentment (Philippians 4:11). Focus on the things which cultivate contentment, not the things that fuel discontentment.

2. Transfer your attention from the things that make you discontent to the eternal realities of having Christ in your life. Matthew 6:33.

3. Learn that happiness is not tied to things. You and I live in a society that doesn’t believe this or it wouldn’t be so discontented. But listen carefully to the very words of Jesus: Luke 12:15

 

A BAKER’S DOZEN OF VERSES ABOUT CONTENTMENT

1. Hebrews 13:5 “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
2. Psalm 37:4 “Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
3. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
4. Matthew 6:33 “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
5. Luke 12:15 “And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”
6. Romans 8:28 “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
7. 1 Timothy 6:6-10 “Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.”
8. Philippians 4:10 - 13 “I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”
9. Luke 3:14 “Soldiers also asked him, “And we, what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Do not extort money from anyone by threats or by false accusation, and be content with your wages.”
10. Matthew 6:24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.”
11. 2 Corinthians 9:11 “You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.”
12. 2 Corinthians 8:9 “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.”
13. Luke 11:13 “If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”