Contentment...the offspring of humility...

On 60 Minutes tonight, there was a short documentary on the Danes being the happiest people in the world. When asked why, one said because even though they complain, they are for the large part, content. How come? Because they had low expectations. They did not have the American dream to attain to, to feel cheated by when it did not materialize. Low expectations do not equal a life of resignation that 'nothing will change'. It is rather for them a matter of realistic expectations, a life that values family life more than 'stuff'. That being said, it was also stated that it is largely a homogeneous society, with no great disparity in wealth, and no visible minority ghettos, with free education that covers university as well.

If you have ever visited the Third World and met with families that live in what we would describe as poverty, you will encounter children who are not pouting over not having the latest in hi-tech, perhaps because they do not yet know that they are supposed to have it to be cool, according to the ads, according to Hollywood. You feel blessed to have touched such simplicity in living, in faith. Indeed, I could clearly see that definition of contentment being an offspring of humility.

What does contentment mean for you?
Websters Online Dictionary defines contentment as "Happiness with one's situation in life." and goes on to give a definition from a biblical perspective:
Contentment a state of mind in which one's desires are confined to his lot whatever it may be (1 Tim. 6:6; 2 Cor. 9:8). It is opposed to envy (James 3:16), avarice (Heb. 13:5), ambition (Prov. 13:10), anxiety (Matt. 6:25, 34), and repining (1 Cor. 10:10). It arises from the inward disposition, and is the offspring of humility, and of an intelligent consideration of the rectitude and benignity of divine providence (Ps. 96:1, 2; 145), the greatness of the divine promises (2 Pet. 1:4), and our own unworthiness (Gen. 32:10); as well as from the view the gospel opens up to us of rest and peace hereafter (Rom. 5:2). Source: Easton's 1897 Bible Dictionary.
Source: compiled by the editor from various references; see credits.

I wonder why Christians were not found to be the most content. Perhaps it is our theology. We are also part of a culture that is seeped in the philosophy of individual entitlement. Always striving to attain that dream we are entitled to.
Does that strike any chord in you? Are you experiencing discontent in any area of your life? I invite you to analyse the root asking the Spirit to reveal what needs to be revealed. Read this Spurgeon devotional that speaks on this very topic:

C.H. Spurgeon's Morning and Evening Devotional--Saturday February 16, 2008 http://bible.christiansunite.com/devotionals.shtml

"I have learned, in whatever state I am, therewith to be content."-Philippians 4:11

These words show us that contentment is not a natural propensity of man. "Ill weeds grow apace." Covetousness, discontent, and murmuring are as natural to man as thorns are to the soil. We need not sow thistles and brambles; they come up naturally enough, because they are indigenous to earth: and so, we need not teach men to complain; they complain fast enough without any education. But the precious things of the earth must be cultivated. If we would have wheat, we must plough and sow; if we want flowers, there must be the garden, and all the gardener's care. Now, contentment is one of the flowers of heaven, and if we would have it, it must be cultivated; it will not grow in us by nature; it is the new nature alone that can produce it, and even then we must be specially careful and watchful that we maintain and cultivate the grace which God has sown in us. Paul says, "I have learned . . . to be content;" as much as to say, he did not know how at one time. It cost him some pains to attain to the mystery of that great truth. No doubt he sometimes thought he had learned, and then broke down. And when at last he had attained unto it, and could say, "I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content," he was an old, grey-headed man, upon the borders of the grave-a poor prisoner shut up in Nero's dungeon at Rome. We might well be willing to endure Paul's infirmities, and share the cold dungeon with him, if we too might by any means attain unto his good degree. Do not indulge the notion that you can be contented with learning, or learn without discipline. It is not a power that may be exercised naturally, but a science to be acquired gradually. We know this from experience. Brother, hush that murmur, natural though it be, and continue a diligent pupil in the College of Content.

Father, teach us contentment. Spirit, search us, reveal the unrighteous sense of 'rights' we have allowed that produce the sense of being cheated and rob us of gratitude. Let me rest in Who You are. Thank You, Lord.