Biblical Contentment

For those of you new to Free Money Finance, I post on The Bible and Money every Sunday. Here's why.

The members of the Christian Financial Alliance recently attempted to define "biblical contentment". Here was my response:

“[It is] being at peace with who you are. In a financial sense, that extends to being at peace with what you have/own as well.”

Really, to me, being content is being happy with what you have -- whether it is a little or a lot.

This doesn't mean that you are not trying to improve your lot in life but that you are happy and peaceful no matter what your financial status.

What's your take on the issue? Do you agree or disagree with me?

Comments

[Matt]

Agree.

I know people who have it alot harder than me and are very happy and content.

Helps me to keep my perspective on where I am at and this tells me, be happy with what you have and that the path to happiness is not always with money.

[JR]

I agree with your take, FMF. Whether want or plenty, whether sickness or health, regardless of circumstance, one can be content because of the peace of God that passes all understanding. I don't understand it, but I have experienced it, so I know it is real.

[Johnny@GoodMoneySense]

Totally agree! Money is just a small part of contentment. And a fleeting one at that. While we all strive for financial security, we must have a peace that goes well beyond that. Layoffs, medical emergencies, and natural disasters, can all happen in an instant. We have to be well within our hearts regarless of the outer environment.

[[email protected]]

Thanks for this. It's so easy to get caught up in what you don't have especially during this time of year where you receive constant messages to spend, buy, and spend some more. Thanks for reminding us that God has only the best in store for you so it's true peace to be happy and content with what you have and hopeful of what's to come.

[Elizabeth]

I agree to a point. Yes, you have to be content and happy with what you have. However, if you are in such lack of basic necessities, you can't stay happy and peaceful for long. So, I believe it's relative to what you have. Having your needs met (not wants and/or desires) is a peace all by itself.