The Secret to Being Content

“Being content does not mean we are satisfied. In fact, to be content is to know we will always
be groaning this side of eternity. Yet when we believe that fullness will come, that there is more than this life, we live with contentment.”

Lisa Graham McMinn, The Contented Soul (found in Mornings with Jesus, p.30)

I don't fully agree with the quote above. I know what she tries to convey. Our longing for our true home, Heaven. Yet I believe we can be content and satisfied on this side of eternity, too. I like the commentary that Keri Wyatt Kent made about the quote above in Mornings with Jesus: "The 'more' she writes of is Jesus. His love and grace are sufficient. Resting in Him, we can be content." I agree with that; Jesus Christ is the key.

"But Godliness with contentment is great gain." (1 Timothy 6:6) Would you like to know the "secret" to being content? I believe we can truly be content only when we realize that we are complete in Christ. No one else and nothing else will ever make us complete. Six years ago, I wrote the following poem, "Complete in Christ" to remind myself of that, and hopefully, it may encourage others as well.

Complete in Christ

Philosophy, psychology
Idolatry, ceremony
They do not set us free.
We are complete in Christ...Christ alone.

Legalism, mysticism, asceticism
Animism, Hinduism, Buddhism
Don't be fooled and trapped in man-made religions.
We are complete in Christ...Christ alone.

Spiritual formulas, worldly principles
Self-help books, staged miracles
These won't save us. Don't be gullible.
We are complete in Christ...Christ alone.

Elaborate church buildings, expensive programs
Certain prayer patterns...we have to discern
Don't be captivated. Don't be intimidated.
We are complete in Christ...Christ alone.

Popularity, plastic surgery
Model looks, designer clothes
Don't be envious. We don't need those.
We are complete in Christ...Christ alone.

Drugs, cults, New Age, evolution
Power, portfolios, prosperity
Don't be led astray. Don't love money.
We are complete in Christ...Christ alone.

Luxurious homes, acres & acres of land
Private planes, latest high-tech gadgets, fancy cars
We don't need anything extra.
We are complete in Christ...Christ alone.

Degrees, recognition, career
Costly hobbies, social status, approval of peers
Think of heaven, not just now and here
We are complete in Christ...Christ alone.

Human regulations, immediate gratification
Sensual indulgence, collection of things
They give us no peace. True joy...they don't bring
We are complete in Christ...Christ alone.

~ Copyright 2006 Urailak Liljequist

It's our human tendency to desire "more" and "better" and "new" and "exciting". It's our human tendency to get bored easily, to complain, and to be ungrateful. With Christ's strength, we can overcome the human tendency (aka our sinful nature). "For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been given fullness in Christ, Who is the Head over every power and authority." Colossians 2:9,10


This post is linked up with In 'Other' Words @Writing Canvas, Brag on God Friday @Beholding Glory, Spiritual Sundays, Sharing His Beauty @The Beauty in His Grip, Playdates with God at The Wellspring, and "Hear It, Use It" @Graceful.