Being content...

Posted on Tuesday, October 14, 2008 at 02:17

This word has been running through my heart and mind a lot lately.

So, as usual, I thought I'd study the word 'content' and hope to find some deeper meanings and see just what all the hub-bub is about, this "being content" and why it was on my mind so much lately. Funny thing happened when I did this...I found another word that is spelled exactly the same, but pronounced differently.

The word I was looking for was 'content' (kənˈtɛnt) but the other word I found was 'content' (kŏn'těnt'). Here is what an online dictionary says about each one.

The fist one (kənˈtɛnt) has a few difinitions but this sums up what I was looking for is: satisfied with what one is or has; not wanting more or anything else or Desiring no more than what one has; satisfied.

The other word (kŏn'těnt') has many more varying definitions, but these hit a chord with me on the topic I was really searching: significance or profundity; meaning or The substantive or meaningful part.Of course all this searching of 'words' leads me to THE WORD for complete clarity, and here is what I've found. These four verses penned by Paul (who's life had variety of circumstances):

Php 4:11 - I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever (as in NO MATTER or reguardless of) the circumstances.

Php 4:12 - 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.

1Ti 6:8 - But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.

Heb 13:5 - Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."

The last line of this verse in Hebrews above is the clue to my word study. By focusing on the meaning of his life God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." is what grownded Paul in a content state. This was not a state of acquiescing or complacency, but of deep meaning regardless of the circumstances of his life.

To be content, I need to focus on the meaningful content of my life not the circumstances that change around me, but on the unfailing love of Adonai.

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