Let’s consider it in a negative sense first. I always prefer the bad news ahead of the good news in the hope that the good overcomes the bad. Weird I know ha ha.
In the book of Haggai, the prophet is speaking to the first group of people that returned to Jerusalem. They had begun to rebuild the temple of God, but had given up because of opposition (Samaritans). Haggai ch 1:3-6 says “Then the word of the Lord came by Haggai the prophet, saying, “Is it time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, and this temple to lie in ruins?” Now therefore, thus says the Lord of hosts: “Consider your ways!
“You have sown much, and bring in little;
You eat, but do not have enough;
You drink, but you are not filled with drink;
You clothe yourselves, but no one is warm;
And he who earns wages,
Earns wages to put into a bag with holes.”
God had noticed that because the spiritual work of rebuilding the temple had ceased, the people had begun to focus upon their own homes. This in itself wasn’t a bad thing, but it had become their main focus in life. They had become “Content” with their situation. They had become comfortable in their nice houses, and had lost the interest for the temple of God. What about me? Have I lost interest in the building up of the church I attend? Do i pray for, and live to further the kingdom of God? Or is my time and effort spent on building up the comfortable things in my life? Careers, relationships, sporting teams, university studies, homes? They of themselves aren't bad things, but they can become distractions very easily without us knowing.
Then comes the part I find most challenging, v6. I believe that God is criticising them for not making full use of their blessings. He is telling them that while they are sowing, eating, drinking, clothed and earning money, they could have so much more! They were content with the least of what they could of had. Just like when they first entered the promised land, the Children of Israel didn't take up God's promise that "Everywhere the sole of your foot shall tread shall be yours". But they didn't make the most of it! They’re getting the bare minimum out of life. In Ephesians Paul tells us “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ” (Eph 1:3). Am i making the most of the many blessings God has given me? Do I walk in the Spirit, in the power of God, by unwavering faith, knowing my life is covered by the grace of God? Personally......No. Not all of the time. If I did I’d not worry, panic, doubt or fear. I’d make the most of every opportunity, make every day count. That’s what I’m trying to do this year, make each day count and be a blessing or help to someone.
The second aspect of contentment is in a positive way. It’s Paul who writes all of the verses I’d like to consider now (If it is true as suspected that Paul was the writer of Hebrews). Paul was a man who lived a content life. In 2 Cor 12:10 (ESV) Paul writes “For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” In the verse prior to this, Paul tells us that God had promised “My grace is sufficient for you”. When Paul was experiencing problems, trials and difficulties, that’s when he felt God most in his life. When life is smooth and we’re comfortable and content (In that negative way), we often forget and ignore God’s will and help. But in those difficult times, that’s when our appreciation of God, and faith in God grow most.
Then, in Philippians 4:11, Paul speaks of financial contentment. “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.” The world tells us to strive for wealth, to be financially comfortable. But in both poverty and wealth we have opportunities to glorify God, or to use it for sin. Agur, in proverbs 30: 7-9 says “Two things I ask of you; deny them not to me before I die:
Remove far from me falsehood and lying; give me neither poverty nor riches;
feed me with the food that is needful for me, lest I be full and deny you and say, “Who is the Lord?” or lest I be poor and steal and profane the name of my God.”
Wealth can lead us to ignore God, poverty can lead us to sin against God. Godly contentment is an attitude that says “Whether God gives me much or little, I will use it all for Him.” This is much easier to say than to do at times.
Then, Paul tells Timothy that “If we have food and clothing, with these we will be content” (1 Tim 6:8). This goes against modern day society that wants the best of everything. We need to be content with what we have, God doesn't promise to meet our worldly desires and ambitions, but to satisfy every NEED.
And finally, in Hebrews 13:5, we read “Keep your life free from the love of money, and be content with what you have, for He has said “I will never leave you nor forsake you”. The only way we can have true biblical contentment is to realise that God loves us, blesses us, and meets our need. “But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world.” Worldly gain and wealth will never make up for storing up spiritual treasure in Heaven. I hope that we can no longer be content (In the negative sense) with what we have achieved and gained, but also learn to be content (Positively) with what God has blessed us with.
Yours in Him
Dan
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Very challenging -- Thank you
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