On Contentment...

Contentment, an interesting and relative topic.  Come, let us ponder...

What makes one more or less content?  Paul writes in Phil 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."  What is the secret that Paul has learned?  The answer might be in Phil 3:8, but for the sake of pondering and thinking, I will continue...

Let's start with the definitions...
Contentment (n):  a state of happiness and satisfaction
Content (adj):  in a state of peaceful happiness

Is being content a function of external factors or an internal decision that we make make (possibly driven by the feelings/emotions)?  I've heard that "life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it" and if that's true, then I'd say we have the power to make the decision.  This may be easier said than done...

So when we are not content, what is really going on?  Media, society, our neighbors, friend or coworkers are sending the message, "you will be happier if you..." "You can't be happy/satisfied with...".  Media is quite direct because they do not want you to be satisfied, but to go out and buy their product or service so you can be happy and satisfied. Others, often send the message unintentionally which further supports the fact that it's our choice how we react/respond to the message.  Often we take it at face value and agree, quickly forfeiting our peace and satisfaction.  Is it worth it?  Did we count the cost?  In return we get want, motivation for more, etc. (not a good trade in my opinion).  What if we could celebrate and be genuinely happy for them. Be inquisitive and interested not in the vein of learning so you can achieve too, but just out of interest and excitement for your friends happy windfall or experience.

So here's a few questions to ponder and think about...
1) Am I content? Why or why not? What impacts my contentment level?  In what areas am content? ln what areas am I not content?
2) Review these areas with the perspectives above.  Any changes?
3) How might you change or do things differently going forward.

Disclaimer: Being content, does not mean that you don't give 110% and work hard to achieve goals. Do not use "I'm content" as an excuse for laziness.