Content to be Content

Kyle Stutzman

Welcome to the first week of 2021! Usually this time of year means a few things: crowded gyms, inspirational Facebook posts, buying veggies in bulk, and ridding the fridge of the holiday junk food. Coming out of 2020, a few of those things look different, but relatively people are going about the new year in a similar way. I think most people these days don’t buy into the resolution stuff, but there is something to a new year. The idea of renewal, of possibilities, and of starting a new chapter. We romanticize these ideas, but hardly does it pan out perfectly.

I’ve found myself these last few days reflecting on the kind of resolutions we make at this time. It often involves the word “more.” We want to spend more time with family. We want to make more money. We want to be more patient. We want to “be” more. We want to “do” more. The problem with the word more? It’s exhausting. The illusion of becoming a better person by gritting your teeth and getting it done, is an incredible task. And the sad reality is, we have very little strength in ourselves to accomplish becoming better, or more.

There’s got to be a better way, right? What if the path to a better life, lies in stopping the “hustle” for a minute. What if we need to slow down and be content. That’s a word I don’t hear much these days. The Apostle Paul spoke of the idea of being content many times.

“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

Philippians 4:11-13

Being content means we find peace, satisfaction, and our purpose in Jesus Christ. It means that everything on Earth is put in its right place. Money is not the goal; a perfect family is not the goal. The goal is Jesus Christ. And the reality is that when you put all your focus on Him and set your eyes on who He is, things in your life change. If you want to prioritize your marriage, seek first your relationship with Jesus. If your goal is to make more money, be faithful in your work, as working for Christ, and find your contentment in his provision.

Ultimately, it’s a good thing to live your life goal oriented. To set up a vision for your life. To live inspired and ready for the future. The point I hope you take from this is that things may work in your favor, or they may not. Things change, but God does not. So, make it your first priority to find contentment in the power and presence of Jesus Christ our Savior.