The title is deliberate — I don’t think any of us “arrive” at complete contentment. No matter our age/health/economy/job/marital status/location — we are always tempted with the “what if’s” and “if only’s”
So it is necessary to “work” because in the life of a Christ-follower, as in boating, if you don’t work toward a desired direction, you will just drift with the current. . .(I’m a bit embarrassed to use the boat analogy — I haven’t been in a row boat or canoe in at least 20 years)
And sometimes, the “work” must be something that may even look drastic or unnecessary.
1 Corinthians 10:12, 13 Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it
“will not let you be tempted beyond your ability” NOT will not place you in circumstances beyond your ability (see 2 Corinthians 1 for example). God ALWAYS provides a way of escape from the temptation to sin. Sometimes it is easy. Often it is hard.
For me, “working” toward contentment has meant staying off Facebook and Pinterest. Please hear me — they are not sinful!! I tried modifying my viewing (reducing my news feed, limiting my boards) and even restricting — but I still struggled. Putting to death envy, self-righteousness, grumbling, doubt, meant cutting the cord to these two sites particularly. I have email and “hangout” for those whom I wish to stay in contact; I have cookbooks and online recipes; my cell phone receives (and sends) texts and pictures. I am not deprived . . .
When the apostle Paul said, “… I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord…” in Philippians 3, he was in a jail. Others were travelling; others were preaching; others were free; others had unvarnished reputations.
Please do not think that I am comparing pulling the plug on Facebook with prison — NO NO! The point is that knowing Christ, following Christ, being content in Christ is better than anything I might give up to get there
good health
money
travel
shopping
going to church
going to a movie
going to a restaurant
going to a party
Jesus is so much better! Contentment with what He has given me is good.
Plea for Grace 