Financial Contentment

God’s Big Idea about Finances

Introduction:

The most widely accepted idea about a financial goal is to achieve “financial Freedom”. Financial freedom is freedom from the slavery of the lender and freedom from the bondage of materialism. My thought process for years has been that if a person is not a slave to the lender, has the right view of money and possessions and recognizes that God owns it all, then he (or she) is free; he is not caught up in materialism. None of this is wrong, but, I really think that that God’s plan is different than this. The ultimate goal is contentment! I have observed that a person can be financially independent and not be content. Conversely a person can be content without being financially independent.

1 Timothy 6:6-8 “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.”

Hebrews 13:5 “. . . and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”

How to be Financially Content:

First of all is it possible today to be content? The world demands that for us to be content we have to have the latest gadget, the newest big screen T.V., the newest technology, the latest fashion. If you do not have the money to obtain then you are not content.

What is contentment? Contentment is being satisfied with one’s circumstances, not complaining, not craving something else, and having a mind at peace. Another person has said contentment has three views: looking back without regret, looking at the present without envy, and looking to the future without fear. Contentment has nothing to do with money. A person may have little or much money and still not be content; we can complain whether we have little or much; and we can covet just as easily with a lot of money or with a little.

King Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes 5:10 “He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity." Contentment has nothing to do with money! It is a learned response. Paul said in Philippians 4:11-12 “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.”

The Paul is referring to learning to think correctly about money, possessions and God. Contentment is learning to see money and possessions as God sees them, and nothing more. Money and possessions are vehicles for providing for our needs and those of others. Contentment is also learning to see God for who he is. He is the bedrock of our contentment. All you need is what you have; what you have is what He is; you cannot have more; and you cannot have less.

Only when I realize that the God of the universe loves me and has my best interests at heart can I be content. Only when I realize that He is sovereign and in control of my vocation and income can I truly be content. Only when I learn to trust Him can I have true contentment. You see, contentment is a spiritual matter; it’s not a money matter. God is always there; He never changes, He is consistent and stable. You can trust Him, but, can you say the same about money? Proverbs 23:4-5 “Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom. Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.”

No financial principle can have a greater impact on you or free you up more than this truth: Money is not the key to contentment! Contentment has everything to do with your relationship with God and nothing to do with money. Once you are free from your love of money and the pursuit of it, you can have a lot or a little and be content all the same. At that point you have learned the secret of contentment.

What does Financial Contentment Look Like?

Two examples:

First consider a family that chooses to live within their means; they have a modest home, an older car, much entertainment at home – little debt and a savings account. This family has low stress, their needs are met, and they have time together as a family.

On the other extreme is a man who earns in excess of $600,000 per year and is miserable as he spends $700,000 per year. He is so stressed because he wonders how he can make it.

Both of these examples are from real people, with real families; both are church goers. The key to contentment in one’s finances is not the amount one makes, but rather a willingness to live within that amount.

Financial contentment has less to do with money and more to do with our attitude, our belief systems and decisions. Financial contentment brings peace of mind! Financial security is not the same as financial peace of mind. You can have financial security without financial peace of mind.

So then, what is financial peace of mind?

Financial peace of mind has four elements: eternal perspective, faith based decisions, biblically wise counsel and financially wise counsel.

Eternal perspective

Having an eternal perspective helps us deal with the earthly ups and downs of life, stock market highs and lows, and acquiring and losing stuff. James 4:13-15 “Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.”

We need to keep in mind the brevity of life; I call it the 100 year rule. When it comes down to life in 100 years, all that matters then is, did I glorify God in all that I do? It is then that you realize that I can be less concerned about hoarding, giving my kids only the best stuff, being comfortable at all costs, seeking a life of leisure or keeping up with my neighbor.

Faith based decisions

Faith is so vital to our relationship with God:

If I am exhibiting faith, then I’m pleasing God.
If I’m pleasing God, then it’s easier to be content with my physical and financial position.

As the Bible reminds us in Hebrews 11:6 “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” It takes faith to give a substantial amount to your church. It takes faith to launch a new career or business. It takes faith to give up immediate gratification now and invest for later.

Biblically wise counsel and Financially wise counsel

If you rely on movies, advertising, fashion trends, Hollywood or sports celebrities, or the gang at work for your guidance and counsel then you will not be content! You’ll be anxious and feeling as if you don’t have what it takes to be successful. “Seek ye first the God’s kingdom and counsel” Matthew 6:33. Look at what the Bible says about earthly wisdom and heavenly wisdom:

James 3:16-17 “For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.”

2 Timothy 3:16-17 “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”

Which wisdom do you seek?