As we grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we become more and more aware of the enormous disparity between worldly contentment and godly contentment.

Those who attempt to gain satisfaction through worldly means eventually come to realize that worldly contentment is essentially a contradiction in terms. The pursuit of it is an exercise in futility. However, without a determined resolve to guard our hearts from worldly snares, we are certain to be pulled into the vortex of ungodly carnality. It is not enough to merely understand that "friendship of the world is enmity with God" (James 4:4). We must also claim the "victory that overcometh the world" (I John 5:4).

Worldliness is to our spiritual health as junk food is to our physical health—the more we consume, the more spiritually unhealthy we become. "For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption" (Galatians 6:8).

Godly contentment can only be achieved by "denying ungodliness and worldly lusts" (Titus 2:12) and learning that "whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content" (Philippians 4:11). The things of this world offer no lasting contentment whatsoever. After all, when all is said and done, "we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out" (I Timothy 6:7).

The Scriptures sum up godly contentment in the simplest of terms for us, that "having food and raiment let us be therewith content" (I Timothy 6:8), but let us remember that "the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine" (John 15:4). If we abide in Him, "the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:7). MDR