“Contentment brings blessings.”

A thought by James MacDonald (2015-06-18) from his book, Lord, Change My Attitude: Before It's Too Late (p. 115). Moody Publishers. Kindle Edition. (Click on the title of the book to go to Amazon.com to buy the book.)

Covetousness is an attitude that God hates and contentment is the attitude that take its place and that God loves and God blesses. So what are some of the blessings? I’m glad you asked.

James says, “Blessings such as joy in the present, and health and satisfaction in the simple things of life. Contentment brings a settled sense of sufficiency and a peaceful pace that proves ‘more’ is not the focus of your thinking. You have life. What a privilege to be alive in this world! Contentment brings joy in the present.”

James gives more, “Contentment also builds our capacity to enjoy ordinary pleasures. If you’re content, simple stuff makes you happy. Like a nice walk. Go for a walk today with a member of your family, and hold his or her hand. Talk about important things. Enjoy a simple pleasure; for example, a loving conversation or a good meal without racing to your next appointment. Simple things: a nice piece of music savored. Cultivate your capacity to enjoy ordinary pleasures.”

He gives still more, “Contentment also promotes true joy in eternal things. You know, the angels have a party when one sinner is saved (see Luke 15: 10). How phenomenal is that? They know how to have a good time! If you anticipate picking up your Bible and can’t wait to hear God speak, that’s contentment. If you can sit quietly rejoicing in a simple pleasure and not need to think of what you will do next, that’s contentment.”

He then asks, “Am I choosing contentment over covetousness moment by moment?”

Good question. James then says, “Contentment is a choice. When you choose contentment repeatedly, you create a lifestyle. Don’t expect to replace covetousness with contentment in a moment. You don’t wake up in the morning and say, ‘Wow, I think I got contentment last night. It just happened. This is so cool—.’ No; contentment begins with a choice. And then another choice. And then another. It happens moment by moment.”

So why not make the choice moment by moment to be content?

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