Contentment in Christ as a Christian Virtue
Contentment in Christ as a Christian Virtue
Contentment is a state of mind in which one's desires are confined to their lot, whatever it may be, arising from an inward disposition influenced by humility and an understanding of divine providence [1]. The biblical basis for contentment is rooted in various passages, including 1 Timothy 6:6, which states that "godliness with contentment is great gain" [3]. This concept is further emphasized in Philippians 4:11-13, where the Apostle Paul expresses his ability to be content in any circumstance through his faith in Christ.
The biblical anchor for contentment is closely tied to the concept of humility. According to Easton's Bible Dictionary, humility is a prominent Christian grace that preserves the soul in tranquillity and makes one patient under trials [2]. Christ is cited as an example of humility, having "emptied himself, taking the form of a servant" (Philippians 2:6-8). This humility is a key component of contentment, as it allows individuals to be satisfied with their circumstances, regardless of their external conditions.
The Protestant tradition, as represented by commentators such as John Gill and Matthew Henry, interprets contentment as a fruit of the Spirit and a characteristic of the Christian life. Gill notes that those who serve Christ in righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost are considered to be serving Christ in the most acceptable manner [5]. Henry, commenting on 1 Timothy 6:6, highlights the excellency of contentment and the evil of covetousness, emphasizing that true contentment is not found in material wealth but in godliness [4].
Contentment is also closely linked to the concept of joy and peace in the Holy Spirit, as listed among the fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22. The Tyndale House commentary on this passage notes that the joy produced by the Spirit does not depend on circumstances, citing Romans 15:13 and 2 Corinthians 6:10 [6]. This joy is a key aspect of contentment, as it enables believers to rejoice in the Lord regardless of their external circumstances.
The Nonconformist/Puritan tradition, as represented by commentators like Matthew Henry, emphasizes the importance of contentment in the Christian life. Henry's commentary on 1 Timothy 6:6-8 highlights the need for believers to cultivate contentment, regardless of their circumstances, and to avoid the pitfalls of covetousness [4].
In the view of the Baptist/Reformed tradition, as represented by John Gill, contentment is closely tied to trust in God's sovereignty and providence. Gill notes that believers should rejoice in the Lord and trust in his holy name, citing Psalm 33:21 [7].
The Methodist/Wesleyan tradition, while not directly represented in the sources, shares a similar emphasis on the importance of contentment and the fruits of the Spirit. The concept of contentment is closely tied to the idea of Christian perfection, where believers are enabled to love God and their neighbors with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength.
Sources
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Contentment — A state of mind in which one's desires are confined to his lot whatever it may be (1 Tim. 6:6; 2 Cor. 9:8). It is opposed to envy (James 3:16), avarice (Heb. 13:5), ambition (Prov. 13:10), anxiety (Matt. 6:25, 34), and repining (1 Cor. 10:10). It arises from the inward disposition, and is the offspring of humility, and of an intelligent consideration of the rectitude and benignity of divine providence (Ps. 96:1, 2; 145), the greatness of the divine promises (2 Pet. 1:4), and our own unworthiness (Gen. 32:10); as well as from the view the gospel opens up”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Humility — A prominent Christian grace (Rom. 12:3; 15:17, 18; 1 Cor. 3:5-7; 2 Cor. 3:5; Phil. 4:11-13). It is a state of mind well pleasing to God (1 Pet. 3:4); it preserves the soul in tranquillity (Ps. 69:32, 33), and makes us patient under trials (Job 1:22). Christ has set us an example of humility (Phil. 2:6-8). We should be led thereto by a remembrance of our sins (Lam. 3:39), and by the thought that it is the way to honour (Prov. 16:18), and that the greatest promises are made to the humble (Ps. 147:6; Isa. 57:15; 66:2; 1 Pet. 5:5). It is a "great paradox in Ch”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Contentment — With godliness is great gain -- Ps 37:16; 1Ti 6:6. Saints should exhibit In their respective callings. -- 1Co 7:20. With appointed wages. -- Lu 3:14. With what things they have. -- Heb 13:5. With food and raiment. -- 1Ti 6:8. God's promises should lead to -- Heb 13:5. The wicked want -- Isa 5:8; Ec 5:10. Exemplified Barzillai. -- 2Sa 19:33-37. Shunammite. -- 2Ki 4:13. David. -- Ps 16:6. Agur. -- Pr 30:8,9. Paul. -- Php 4:11,12.”
- 1 Timothy (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on 1 Timothy 6:6: From the mention of the abuse which some put upon religion, making it to serve their secular advantages, the apostle, I. Takes occasion to show the excellency of contentment and the evil of covetousness. 1. The excellency of contentment, Ti1 6:6-8. Some account Christianity an advantageous profession for this world. In the sense they mean this is false; yet it is undoubtedly true that, though Christianity is the worst trade, it is the best calling in the world. Those that make a trade of it, merely to serve their turn for this world, will be disappointed, and fi”
- Romans (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Romans 14:17: For he that in these things serveth Christ,.... That is, in righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost; he whose faith is an obedient one, and embraces these things, and from the heart obeys them; who seeks righteousness alone by Christ, and peace and pardon through his blood; who rejoices in Christ Jesus, and puts no trust in the flesh, in moral duties or ceremonial services; and who, from principles of grace, serves Christ in a way of righteousness, wherein he possesses true peace of conscience, and abundance of spiritual joy and comfort: the Alexandrian copy ”
- Galatians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Galatians 5:22: 5:22 Unlike following the sinful nature (5:19-21), letting the Holy Spirit guide (5:16) produces a life pleasing to God, which human effort and the law cannot do (cp. John 15:1-8). • These virtues directly address the issues in the church of Galatia. • love: The greatest Christian virtue encompasses all the others (1 Cor 13:4-7). Only the Spirit of God can produce in us love for those who hate us (Matt 5:43-48; Luke 6:35-36). • Joy produced by the Spirit does not depend on circumstances (Rom 15:13; 2 Cor 6:10; 8:2; 1 Thes 1:6). • Peace with God creates internal”
- Psalms (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Psalms 33:21: For our heart shall rejoice in him,.... Not in sin, nor in themselves and in their boastings, all such rejoicing is evil; but in the Lord, "in his Word"; as the Targum is, in the essential Word of God, Christ Jesus; in his person, righteousness, and salvation; and this joy is heart joy, inward joy, real joy, joy in the Holy Ghost; and is unspeakable and full of glory. This is what the psalmist calls upon the saints to do, in the beginning of the psalm; and so his end in composing it is answered; because we have trusted in his holy name; that is, in himself, who is ”