Contentment by Subtraction

Another quote that struck me when I read it and that I want to share with you is this: "Contentment is not by addition but by subtraction: seeking to add a thing will not bring contentment. Instead, subtracting from your desires until you are satisfied only with Christ brings contentment." — Jeremiah Burroughs. Let us first ask, “Is contentment good?” 1 Timothy 6:6-9 teaches us to be content. So yes, contentment is good because God calls us to it even when our world does not.

Our world tries to be “content” by getting enough. The first part of that quote hits at that mentality. It reminds me of a quote attributed to John D. Rockefeller who said, “Just one more dollar,” when asked how much money is enough. Trying to be satisfied by gaining more is vanity or chasing after the wind. You will never get enough There is always going to be something newer, bigger, faster, better, more powerful, etc. Our world is geared to get you to want something else. What you have is not good enough; you deserve something better. It will make you happy. Until something else comes out.

If addition is not the answer, what is the answer? The quote suggests subtraction. Our first thought might be, “How can I be happy with less?” I have to learn that I do not need everything the world says I need to be happy. How happy are the people of our world? It does not seem, overall, that we are very happy. Why would we listen to an unhappy world about how to be happy? Have you ever thought they might be unhappy because they are not content?

We have to get to the point that Jesus is enough (Hebrews 13:5-6). I am afraid many serve Jesus because of what they think they can get out of Him. No doubt we can have forgiveness of sins in Him, which is the greatest blessing we could ever have. Yet, I am afraid some serve Him for bigger houses, nicer cars, etc. What if every physical thing you had was taken away. Is Jesus enough? Yes, He is.