Contentment Doesn’t Come Through Comparison

You should be thankful! Think how much worse things could be!

I’ve heard this advice throughout my life. I’ve probably given it plenty of times.

Is it good counsel? I’m not so sure. It doesn’t seem biblical, especially when “thankfulness” is understood to be the Christian virtue of contentment.

Paul: Content In Every Circumstance

Most Christian teaching I’ve read about contentment focuses on Paul’s writing in Philippians 4.

 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (Phil 4:10–13)

Paul learned a “secret,” allowing him to be content in any situation, whether in abundance or need. What is that secret?

We know that God gave Paul confidence to “do all things” because of the strength he provides. Perhaps that is the secret. But Paul doesn’t provide a how-to course on contentment. If the strength of the Lord, and the knowledge that the Lord provides that strength, is the key to contentment, a modern reader can be forgiven for thinking there are still some unanswered questions.

Critically, for our purposes, Paul makes no mention of comparison here. His reason for contentment seems to have little to do with knowing that he is better off than other people.

Content Because of the Lord’s Presence

Philippians 4 is a great place to start thinking about contentment in the Bible, but there are other relevant passages.

Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:5,6)

As the author of Hebrews is wrapping up his discourse, this passage follows the general command, “Let brotherly love continue” (Heb 13:1). Like another key passage (1 Timothy 6:6–8), Hebrews contrasts contentment with the love of money.

Unlike other passages, this author provides a substantial reason for being content: the promise of God’s presence. God has promised that he will not leave or forsake his people; therefore, we can be content with what we have.

The end of this short passage illuminates the way many view their possessions or wealth. If we are content with the Lord’s presence, we know he is our helper, and that surpasses anything man could do. For those who seek protection and security through their net worth, this serves as a stiff rebuke.

The Danger of Comparison

When we compare our situation to another’s, we are prone to fall into either envy or pride. The advice written at the top of this post tends toward the latter. It seems to say, God is caring better for you than he is for that other person, so be grateful! A path of superiority does end in godly contentment.

Instead of looking at others, the Bible suggests we look to the Lord for our contentment. We should not take stock of what we have or do not have, but rather who is ours.

In Christ, the promise of God’s abiding presence made to saints of old is both made to us and kept. Jesus secured that promise for us, and the promise is realized through the Holy Spirit.

For believers, God is with us. He is our helper; we have no need to fear; what can man do to us?

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