A Note from Michael Gossett
Marked by Contentment
Contentment and humility are virtues that seem to grow rarer with each passing generation. The world around us seems to demand everything but humility and contentment. We are told to make more goals, make more money, look younger, go on more vacations, get a new car, a bigger house, new clothes, the latest technology, and on and on and on! In a world driven by ambition, comparison, and self-promotion, finding peace in simplicity and surrender can feel almost impossible. Yet, history provides us with powerful examples of individuals who embodied these traits in remarkable ways, even under the most challenging circumstances.
George Müller was a Christian evangelist and the founder of several orphanages in 19th-century England. Müller began his ministry with a heart deeply burdened for the care of vulnerable children. Over his lifetime, he housed, fed, and educated more than 10,000 orphans, relying solely on prayer and faith for provision. Müller famously refused to ask for money or publicize the needs of his ministry. Instead, he prayed and trusted that God would provide.
On one particular morning, Müller’s faith in God’s provision was tested in a profound way. The orphanage’s kitchen was empty, with no food to feed the children. Still, Müller called the children to the dining table, and they bowed their heads in prayer, thanking God for the meal they were about to receive. Moments later, there was a knock at the door. A baker, feeling led by God in the early hours of the morning, had baked extra bread and delivered it to the orphanage. Shortly after, a milk cart broke down outside the orphanage, and the milkman offered all the milk to the children before it spoiled. That morning, every child was fed, and Müller’s faith was strengthened yet again.
Müller’s life is a testament to the truth of Philippians 4:19: “And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” His contentment wasn’t tied to material wealth but to a deep trust in God’s sovereignty. Despite his circumstances, Müller never wavered in his belief that God would provide exactly what was needed, exactly when it was needed. Paul said that he learned to be content in all seasons of his life. How could we possibly get there in our own lives?
Life often feels like a constant chase and a constant striving for more, believing in things we think will bring us happiness. But as we pursue these worldly goals, we often find ourselves emptier than before. The Apostle John, in 1 John 2:15-17, cuts through the noise of life with this stark reminder: “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” He identifies three traps that ensnare us. These things are the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride in one’s possessions. The Apostle John reminds us that these things will not last and are simply passing away.
This truth calls us to a radical shift. We are called to live lives marked by contentment and humility, grounded not in what the world offers but in what Christ provides. But how can we embrace these countercultural values when everything around us encourages us to desire more and exalt ourselves?
Contentment in a Restless World
Contentment is one of the rarest virtues in today’s society. We are bombarded with advertisements and social media, constantly reminded of what we lack or what others seem to have. Yet the Bible calls us to a higher perspective. Paul, writing from a prison cell, declares in Philippians 4:12-13, “I know how to make do with little, and I know how to make do with a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content—whether well-fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me.”
True contentment, as Paul shows us, is not dependent on circumstances but rooted in Christ. When we fix our eyes on Jesus, we realize that He is enough. This is what John means when he warns against “the lust of the eyes.” Covetousness is a desire for what we don’t have and blinds us to the goodness of God, ultimately robbing us of joy. Instead, we are called to trust that God will supply all our needs according to His riches in glory (Philippians 4:19).
A Historical Perspective on Contentment
Throughout history, Christians have wrestled with contentment in an ever-changing world. The Puritans, for example, viewed contentment as a spiritual discipline. Jeremiah Burroughs, in The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment, described it as “a sweet, inward, quiet, gracious frame of spirit, which freely submits to and delights in God’s wise and fatherly disposal in every condition.” Their understanding of contentment was deeply rooted in Scripture, recognizing that God’s sovereignty governs every aspect of our lives.
Today, we live in a world of instant gratification and constant comparison. The technological advances that promise to simplify our lives often create new desires and distractions. Yet the biblical call remains the same: to find our satisfaction not in things but in the Lord, who alone can satisfy the deepest longings of our hearts.
Humility in an Age of Pride
John also warns against “the pride in one’s possessions.” This pride is not merely about wealth; it is a mindset that exalts self above others and above God. Pride blinds us to our dependence on God and keeps us from acknowledging His sovereignty over our lives. Proverbs 16:18 warns, “Pride comes before destruction, and an arrogant spirit before a fall.”
Humility, on the other hand, is the antidote to pride. It begins with recognizing who God is and who we are in relation to Him. In Philippians 2:5-8, Paul reminds us of the ultimate example of humility: Jesus Christ, who “emptied Himself by assuming the form of a servant, taking on the likeness of humanity. And when He had come as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death—even to death on a cross.”
To live humbly is to follow in the footsteps of Christ. It is to submit our lives to God’s will, serve others selflessly, and acknowledge that every good thing we have comes from Him. As Jonathan Edwards noted, pride often manifests subtly, particularly in our relationships with others. Edwards observed, “The spiritually proud person shows it in his finding fault with other saints.” Humility, by contrast, compels us to focus on our own need for God’s grace rather than judging others.
The Eternal Perspective
Both contentment and humility are rooted in an eternal perspective. John reminds us that “the world with its lust is passing away, but the one who does the will of God remains forever” (1 John 2:17). When we live for this world alone, we are building on a foundation that will crumble. But when we live for eternity, our lives take on lasting significance.
Jesus illustrated this in Matthew 6:19-21, saying, “Don’t store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven… For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Living with eternity in mind frees us from the relentless pursuit of more and enables us to focus on what truly matters: loving God, serving others, and fulfilling His purposes.
The world may tell us that contentment is found in possessions and pride is a virtue, but Scripture tells a different story. True contentment comes from trusting God in every circumstance, and true humility comes from recognizing our dependence on Him. When we live this way, our lives stand as a testimony to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ.
As John reminds us, the things of this world are passing away. But the one who does the will of God will remain forever. This is the life worth pursuing: one of contentment in God’s provision, humility in His presence, and a steadfast focus on eternity.
Questions to Consider:
- In what areas of your life do you struggle to find contentment?
- How does pride manifest in subtle ways in your heart or relationships?
- Are you prioritizing temporary treasures over eternal rewards?
- How can you actively serve others as an expression of humility this week?
- What steps can you take to fix your heart on God’s eternal promises?
A Prayer for Today:
Lord, you alone are enough for us. Teach us to find contentment in you, no matter our circumstances, and to trust in your perfect provision. Strip away the pride that blinds us to our need for you, and cultivate hearts of humility within us. Help us to live with eternity in view, focusing on treasures that will never fade. May our lives reflect yourlove and grace, drawing others to the hope found in Christ. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Have you ever wanted to step into the pages of Scripture? To stand where the Apostle Paul proclaimed the Gospel and witness the incredible sites of his missionary journeys? Now is your chance!
I’m inviting you to join my wife, Katie, and me for a trip of a lifetime as we explore the rich history and profound theology of Paul’s ministry in the ancient world. Together, from October 26 to November 4, 2025, we’ll walk in Paul’s footsteps and experience the lands that shaped the early church and transformed history.
📍 Highlights of Our Journey:
Philippi: Visit the site of Paul’s first church plant in Europe and where Lydia, the first European convert, was baptized.
Thessalonica & Berea: Discover the cities where Paul’s teachings inspired the faithful and stirred the hearts of seekers.
Athens & Corinth: Stand in awe at Mars Hill, where Paul preached the Gospel to Greek philosophers, and explore the vibrant city of Corinth.
Ephesus: Explore the ruins of ancient cities pivotal to Paul’s mission and the spread of Christianity.
Greek Islands & Crete: Sail through the beauty of the same seas as Paul while reflecting on his journey to these historic lands.
🗓 Trip Dates: October 26–November 4, 2025
📖 What You’ll Gain:
- Transformative teaching at every site to deepen your understanding of Paul’s life and theology.
- Opportunities for spiritual reflection and meaningful fellowship with others.
- Memories that will bring the Bible to life like never before.
💬 What Past Travelers Have Said:
“Walking through Philippi and standing in the very places where Paul shared the Gospel was unforgettable. This journey truly transformed how I read Scripture.”
“Standing in the ruins of Corinth, where Paul wrote to the early church, gave me a deeper appreciation for his letters. This trip made the Bible come alive in ways I never imagined.”
“Sailing the Greek islands and visiting Crete reminded me of the challenges Paul faced and the power of the Gospel to overcome them. It was an unforgettable spiritual and historical experience.”
“Hearing the teaching at Philippi and seeing the baptistry where Lydia might have been baptized brought tears to my eyes. This journey deepened my faith and my understanding of Scripture.”
Reserve Your Spot Today!
This incredible experience is limited, so don’t wait to secure your place. Click here to register! Call 903-525-1118 with questions.
Let’s make this journey together—learning, growing, and experiencing the powerful story of the Apostle Paul in a way that will inspire your faith for years to come.
P.S. Invite a friend or loved one to join you. This shared experience will be one you’ll cherish forever!
This Sunday is a special day as we come together to honor Sanctity of Life Sunday, a time to celebrate the incredible gift of life and reaffirm its sacred value at every stage. Our message, “The Giver of Life,” from Luke 1:26-45, will inspire us to see how God’s Word calls us to cherish and protect life as a reflection of His love and purpose.
We’re also thrilled to unveil the Heart Gallery, a beautiful display highlighting children in our community who are waiting for forever families. This powerful initiative is a tangible way for us to live out our commitment to life and show the love of Christ in action.
Don’t miss this opportunity to worship, learn, and engage in God’s calling for His people to be a voice for the voiceless. Bring your family and invite a friend—let’s fill the sanctuary with praise and a renewed commitment to the value of every life!
We can’t wait to see you this Sunday!
⛪ When: THIS SUNDAY!
⏰ Worship Service Times: 9:30 AM and 11:00 AM
📍 Location: Tyler Campus, Flint Campus, and Español (11:00 am worship only)
Ladies, I want to make you aware of a date change for the upcoming Women’s Winter Warm Up. Due to weather concerns, we have rescheduled it to Sunday, January 26, 6:30pm-8:00pm. The good news?! – now you still have time to register!
You are loved and prayed for!
Michael Gossett