4 Essential Money Lessons From the BibleSmakprov

Practice Contentment

“But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.” 1 Tim 6:6-8 NLT

One of the greatest life lessons is the value of contentment. Contentment can do so much good for your soul. Contentment is not a fleeting happy feeling when life’s circumstances are going your way. Instead, it is a deliberate choice to be grateful for what you do have versus longing for what you do not have.

Contentment is a powerful force in our financial lives because it frees us from “keeping up with the Joneses,” greed, jealousy and the love of money because we don’t need another dollar in the bank, a new gadget, a new house, a new wardrobe or a new car in order to be fully satisfied. 

We can glean from the Apostle Paul where he writes:

“Not that I speak from [any personal] need, for I have learned to be content [and self-sufficient through Christ, satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or uneasy] regardless of my circumstances.” Phil 4:11 AMP

Contentment is something we practice day after day. In our financial lives, we can loosen discontentment’s grip as we focus on God’s faithfulness to never leave us, never abandon us as Hebrews 13:5 says:

“Your way of life should be free from the love of money, and you should be content with what you have. After all, he has said, I will never leave you or abandon you.” Hebrews 13:5 CEB

Today, begin cultivating contentment in your heart and if you have kids, cultivate it with them too. Find opportunities to express gratitude for God’s provision, and trust His faithfulness when you are tempted to want something more, better or different than what you currently have.