How Do You Spell CONTENTMENT? Contextually.

I had the privilege of training and serving with 10 amazing Jesus-loving members of my church for a short-term mission at the Philippines. Most of the members were returning veterans while I was among the newbies.

To be frank, I really did over-estimate myself, at least physically. And I really struggled during the first two-thirds of the trip as I tried to adjust to a 12-hour time difference along with our ministry schedule.

I felt rather ashamed a lot of the times as I tried to be a spiritual leader while the veteran leaders and members took care of the administrative tasks of this trip where we got to partner with a local ministry pastor and his church. It was everything I heard about in the States leading up to the trip and more. I was truly humbled and challenged by the incarnational ministry of the missionary pastor and his family as well as the incarnational intentionality of the church in "tabernacling" where the people were, leading them to Jesus Christ.

Our team of 11 sought to honor God and give Him the glory where ever we could, no matter the circumstances. I was so proud of the team as well as challenged and humbled by their attitude. I also wondered why I was so tired and whether this forty-plus-year-old should be doing this these twenty and thirty-somethings.

Despite my clear limitations, God still allowed me the opportunity and the privilege of preaching and giving a practical seminar on biblical financial stewardship and discipleship. Take out the traveling days, we really only had ten days at the Philippines, and during those ten days, I was reminded of some of the basic tenets of biblical stewardship. What it means to be a good steward who manages whatever the Master allows.

Close to 20 hours of flight each way made me appreciate the freedom and ability we generally have to stand, stretch and move. There are many who are incarcerated due to their faith in Jesus Christ and do not have such freedom.

Spending 10 days in a climate where we would sweat nonstop, where air conditions were rarities and special luxuries, reminded me again how blessed and easy we have it here in the States. I’m still getting used to the AC as my body still finds a fan more than sufficient many times.

Having running water to shower and clean water to drink made me realize how blessed and privileged we are to live in the States.

Having WIFI and a good cell reception where we can connect to the rest of the world, made me realize that it really can be good at times to disconnect from technology, and learn to be more fully present with people around me.

Having access to nutritious affordable food was something I came to deeply re-appreciate.

Then I remembered that if you had indoor plumbing in the early 1800s, you were considered rich and privileged.

Back in those days, only kings had access to the kind of food that we now have.

In the 1900s, if you had electricity, you were probably considered rich and privileged.

In the 1980s, if you had a giant computer, you were probably rich and privileged.

In the 1990s, if you had a giant block cellphone, you were considered rich and privileged.

But now in 2018 everyone here in the US has running water, plumbing, electricity, computer, cell phone, clothes that fit us, choices food along with AC and heat.

How blessed we are indeed. I couldn’t help but relearn the lesson of contentment. Stop wanting more things but appreciate and thank the Lord for how He has richly blessed us here.

But at the same time, the lesson of contentment is a lesson I believe God wants all people in all times in all places to relearn again and again.

How Do You Spell CONTENTMENT? Biblically.

Those of us living in North America tend to be rather obsessed with praying for ease and convenience. Let’s be honest. If we listen to what we pray for when was the last time we prayed for God to make us more holy and mature as Christ-followers?

One of the most misquoted verses from the Bible, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me” is a verse Apostle Paul shared to teach the Philippians about contentment. He knew how to live with almost nothing or with everything as he learned the secret of living in every situation. Whether he ate his full or was hungry, had plenty or very little, he knew he can do all things through Christ who strengthened him.

How? Because he learned that godliness with contentment is great gain. He knew that we came with nothing into this world and leave with nothing when the Lord calls us.

Let’s be honest. For most of us living with debt, whether in North America or other parts of the world, though our technical problem might be the inability to budget, the deep spiritual root of the problem is our lack of contentment with what the Lord has already given us. We are more easily affected and influenced by the external pressures of our culture and society than the internal compass of God and His Word.

So how might your life look different if we begin to learn the lesson of biblical contentment in regards of earthly riches?

Contentment, however, isn’t about being apathetic or lazy. Apostle Paul was content with his daily provisions but he was driven and zealous for the gospel. Apostle Paul, remember, was risking his life sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ.

How can you spell contentment in your life? Instead of comparing with the Jones and complaining what you don’t have or do have, how might Jesus Christ be calling you and me to learn to have godly contentment while living with a zeal for the gospel of Jesus Christ with an eternal perspective?

Ready to Start?

Are you ready to get started? Contact me at paul@jangfinancial.com if you want to help disciple your congregation as God-honoring stewards from a biblical perspective, or if you yourself want to grow as a steward seeking to practically manage the finances better to hear from our Lord upon his return, “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.” (Matthew 25:21, 23)

Paul Jang

Pastor | Personal Financial Coach to Individuals & Financial Discipleship and Generosity Specialist to Churches

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Paul Jang served as a full-time ordained pastor for close to 15 years in Bergen County, NJ. Currently, he serves as an associate pastor at the Church Gathered & Scattered and as a personal financial coach and a financial stewardship ministry consultant for churches at Jang Financial Coaching LLC (jangfinancial.com), he serves Christ-followers and churches position toward financial peace, independence, and generosity. He is a certified Ramsey Solutions Master Financial Coach, a Financial Discipleship & Generosity Specialist with Compass, finances God’s way, and a member of Christian Stewardship Network. Paul has been serving as a financial counselor for about decade and enjoys running while listening to a good audiobook on anything financial. He is happily married to Joy and committed to raising 3 future stewards in God’s Kingdom.

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