Defining Contentment

"But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world and we can take nothing out of it."
1 Timothy 6:6&7

I have often wondered what it really means to be content. Some say contentment is felt after eating a satisfying meal. Others believe that being happy with what you have, your family, friends, etc. is true contentment. I think contentment is a double edged sword. On one side it is a happy and peaceful place, but on the other it remains a challenge to our faith to never rest in our pursuit of God.
    In the context of Paul's letter to Timothy, this scripture is definitely referring to being contented with what we have. There is no eternal value in having wealth or possessions. Timothy was being instructed to be content with what he had and not fall into the trap of seeking worldly wealth. We are clearly warned to not allow this to become a problem in our own lives. But I would like to talk about contentment is light of our relationship with God. How do we be content, yet not apathetic or lazy?
    Notice that it takes godliness to make contentment become a great gain in our lives. There is a peace that comes when we are content in the arms of Jesus. There is a security that is found nowhere else. Even when everything around us is failing, we can always rely on the truth that we are secure in his arms. This is true contentment and it is only available as we embrace our relationship with God. If we attempt to find it anywhere else, we will fail. There is only one source of true contentment. So in this we rest, knowing that eternity has been secured. Our contentment cannot be based on what we see around us, it must be the result of faith and knowledge. We believe, therefore we know that we will spend eternity in the presence of God.
    But there is a discontent that we must all have. We should never become content in where we are in our relationship with God. We need to be growing, changing and becoming more like him. This is a pursuit and it cannot end at any time during our earthly lives. The pursuit of Jesus begins when we receive him and it ends when we see him face to face. Everything in between is our time to go after him with all our beings. Many Christians are lazy. They don't read the Word of God, they seldom pray, and they continue to live life within their own strength and understanding. These are childish ways. We once lived there, but we have grown into a deeper relationship. Things have changed. Our habits, shortcomings, and selfishness have given way to godliness. So we are discontent, yet content. Oximoronic, isn't it?
    I have decided to be content in view of the things of the world. Everything I have is given to me by God. So in this truth I find peace. But in my pursuit of Jesus, I am not content. I will not rest, I will not slumber. To me, content is the two-edged sword. I will sharpen it evenly. With that, I challenge you to do the same. Be content in what you have, and your security in God. But never, ever stop growing in him. Continue the pursuit!