Contentment is the quality or state of “feeling or showing satisfaction with one’s possessions, status or situation” from Merriam-Webster.^{(See disclaimer 1)}

This state is a consistent, internal calm or satisfaction toward who we are and what we have. It’s the opposite of worry, which is a state of concern or anxiety over real or future problems.

Biblical contentment, however, includes another important aspect. We find the quiet, joy-filled spirit of contentment through Christ alone. The only way to be satisfied with what one has is to completely depend on Jesus. To understand what this looks like, we must turn to the Bible.

One of the clearest examples of contentment is in Philippians 4. Paul, the author of the epistle, is writing to the Philippians while he’s imprisoned. In verses 10-14, Paul rejoices in the Philippians’ care for him. They’ve sent him a gift, and although he appreciates it, he makes it clear he doesn’t need it. Such a statement makes no sense. He is in prison, chained and cold, while writing those very words. He shares the secret behind this confusing idea: he’s learned to be content in every circumstance.

Paul isn’t saying that he doesn’t need the gift because he has no physical need. Instead, it’s because he’s learned to be content in every situation. Despite being imprisoned, he has a peace that passes all understanding and a joy-filled satisfaction with his life.

How does he do it? Paul says, “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me,” (Philippians 4:13). This verse is often misconstrued to mean that we can do whatever we set our minds to. Whether it’s chasing our dreams, acing a test or getting a new personal record in weightlifting, God’s got us. In reality, this verse is about relying on Jesus in every circumstance. Paul found peace and satisfaction through the One who sustains him.

If contentment were defined as the opposite of something, it would be against worry and envy. Worry can look like anxiety about real or potential problems. What job will I get? Will I be alone in life? What if I fail this class?

Envy is coveting another person’s possessions, qualities or advantages. It borders on resentment when we desire someone’s possessions or traits. Both worry and envy contradict the meaning of contentment.

What Jesus Says About Worry

In Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus tells the crowds in the Sermon on the Mount not to be anxious. He says not to be anxious about food, clothes, sleep and more. Jesus gives examples of how God cares for His creation. He feeds the birds and clothes the lilies in splendid array, so how much more will He provide for us, the crown of His creation?

Trusting God goes hand in hand with being content in every circumstance. Whether it’s about a grade in class, a job we need or food we’re lacking, we must trust in the Lord to provide. We find contentment within this unshakeable faith that our heavenly Father knows what we need. It’s a beautiful balance between trusting God to provide for us and knowing that, according to the promise in Romans 8:28, He will work all things together for our good.

What Jesus Says About Envy

In Matthew 20:1-16, Jesus tells a parable about laborers in a vineyard. The story goes that a master of a vineyard needed workers, so he hired some laborers at the beginning of the day. He agreed to pay them a denarius, the typical wage for a day’s work. Throughout the day, the master of the vineyard hired more workers four separate times. He even hired laborers right before the day was over.

At the end of the day, he gathered the workers to pay them. The master paid the workers who arrived late in the day first. He gave them a denarius. Upon seeing this, the laborers who worked all day began to think that they would receive even more. However, one by one, the master gave everyone a denarius. The early workers were frustrated and grumbled about not receiving more than the others. The master, however, said he did them no wrong because he paid them what they agreed upon! They had no right to begrudge how he spends his resources. 

Jesus uses this parable to warn His disciples against coveting other believers’ eternal rewards. Even if someone has believed in Jesus their entire life and done good works for Him out of love, it doesn’t mean that disciple will receive more rewards than another Christian. He’s telling His followers that God can use His resources however He wants, including to reward the people who haven’t “worked” long. 

Although Jesus is talking about eternal rewards here, the same principle applies outside of them: God, our Sovereign Creator, may use His resources however He wills. We shouldn’t covet another person’s belongings, status, traits or quality of life. Envy is like the laborers grumbling to the master about their wages. When we covet another person’s possessions, we are indirectly begrudging God for what He has provided us. Instead, we need to realize that every good thing we have is a gift from God. Appreciating the grace He has bestowed on us will help us to be content through every season of life.