Contentment: Renewing Your Mind
Contentment is learned. The first blog in this series talked about Philippians 4:11-13 and Paul’s statement that he learned to be content. Contentment is not something that just happens to you like a wave washing over you. Contentment must be pursued as God providentially puts you in different circumstances and the Holy Spirit works contentment in your heart. Contentment is an aspect of progressive sanctification and just like every other aspect of our sanctification, we must diligently and intentionally strive to grow in contentment as God divinely works in the heart through His means of grace. One of the ways God has ordained the transformation of His people is through the use of meditation. As a believer spends time mulling over God’s word, studying God’s word and pondering the truths and glory God reveals about Himself, the Holy Spirit is at work making the believer more like Christ from one degree to the next. The believer must be diligent and intentional to meditate on God’s word.
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:1-2
This passage shows that our transformation is the mercy of God but we must renew our minds so that we may know God’s will. The second blog on contentment talked about God’s providence and trusting God’s will for our lives. It is through study and meditation of the Word that we learn that God is working all things for the good of the believer to make him like Christ (Romans 8:28-29). As we study God and see His goodness, wisdom, righteousness, grace, mercy, love, and power, we can rest in His providence. We can trust His good plan for our lives knowing that whatever momentary affliction He brings into our lives is meant to bring Him glory and prepare us for the glory of His presence (2 Corinthians 4:17-18). As we spend time meditating on heaven and the wisdom on God in using suffering in our lives, we can grow in contentment knowing His providence is perfect.
But there are other ways that we need to renew our thoughts also.
We need to keep our desires in alignment with God’s provision. We cannot allow inordinate desires to grow in our minds and hearts. If we allow ourselves to spend time wishing we had things we don’t have, or wishing we were in a different job, place, or role in life, we are allowing discontentment to grow. Unchecked thoughts about wanting more or different circumstances keep us in a perpetual state of discontent. In The Power of Christian Contentment, Andrew M Davis says, “We become content not by adding to our possessions and pleasures, but by subtracting our desires, carving them down until they equal what our heavenly Father chooses to provide.” We learn contentment by choosing to trust that what God has provided for us is what is best for us. First Timothy 6:10 warns about loving money and the evil of a covetous heart. We must be on guard against desires that go beyond what God has given. When we stop a covetous thought or a discontent thought in our minds and take it captive to the truth that God has graciously given us every good gift we need, we grow in the rare jewel of Christian contentment.
We must also meditate on the amazing grace we have received in Christ. In Matthew 18, Jesus tells the parable of the Unforgiving Servant who is owed a paltry sum from another man. He insists on being paid back immediately and throws the debtor in prison. This Unforgiving Servant, however, just had an enormous debt forgiven by his Master. This servant failed to appreciate the gift of mercy and grace he had received and instead took for granted the gift. He received mercy in not being thrown in prison and instead received the grace of a completely cleared debt. Believers need to spend time meditating on the enormous debt that we have been forgiven. Our sins deserve death. We deserve eternity spent in hell separated from God, but God has mercifully removed that punishment in Christ. We also receive the grace of being in relationship with God and enjoying His presence and “every spiritual gift” imaginable (Ephesians 1:4). As we spend time thinking about our sin, God’s wrath against sin and all ungodliness, and how Jesus took that punishment in our place, we can choose contentment in whatever our circumstances are. We have been forgiven and reconciled to God! There is nothing more that we need.
We must also grow in our understanding of suffering. The flesh desires ease and comfort. Yet God has designed suffering as a tool of His redemption plan. Christ suffered more than anyone in the history of the world. Jesus was a perfect, holy, sinless man who endured the wrath of God and was forsaken by His Father while on the cross. Jesus became sin so that we could become righteous (2 Corinthians 5:21). This is the ultimate suffering - the holy Son of God being separated from God the Father. This ultimate suffering was the pinnacle of God’s love and grace on display. The wisdom of God in sacrificing His own Son reveals His love and grace for His people. Suffering is a part of God’s plan. When we embrace the truth that we must die to ourselves, that we must suffer in this world so that we can share in Christ’s glory in the future, we can grow in contentment (Romans 8:17-18). Throughout scripture, God shows that a believer will be called to suffer. Jesus said in this world we would have tribulation (John 16:33). Jesus said that unless a seed falls to ground and dies, it will not bear fruit (John 12:24-25). Peter warned us not to be surprised when fiery trials come upon us. It’s not strange that suffering happens (1 Peter 4:12)! We must exercise our minds to believe that it is good and right for us to suffer and to trust God’s plan and purpose in everything He allows into our lives.
Growing in contentment starts with a renewing of the mind. Look back at the three areas of thoughts mentioned here.
Subtracting desires so that they equal what God provides to you.
Meditate on what your sin deserves and the amazing gift of forgiveness.
Grow in understanding the wisdom and beauty of suffering in this world as part of God’s plan.
What scriptures do you need to write out, study, and pray through regarding these truths? Make a commitment to think deeply about these truths and the passages of Scripture that deal with each one.
Pray that God would work contentment in your heart as you set your mind to meditate on these aspects of the Christian life. Pray that you would be convicted when you need to take your thoughts captive during the day.
Then, be consistent in repenting of wrong thinking and choosing to set your mind on the providence of God in your life and the wonderful gifts of mercy and grace He has given.
Speak words of gratitude and serve others with joy and love.