Should I be content with what I have and not want for more?
Introduction
This question captures one of the most practical tensions in the Christian life. The Bible clearly celebrates contentment, warning against the dangers of greed and covetousness. At the same time, it encourages ambition—to grow, to serve, to achieve good works, and to make the most of our talents.
The key to resolving this tension lies in understanding the difference between the source of your desire and the object of your desire. The core principle is: Be content with what you have, but never be content with who you are (or what you do for God).
Dissecting Contentment and Ambition
To live a balanced life, we must define biblical contentment and direct our desire for "more" toward godly goals.
1. The Anchor: Understanding Biblical Contentment
Biblical contentment is not laziness or apathy. It is a profound, active trust that God is sufficient for all your needs and that your life is exactly where He sovereignly wants it to be right now.
It is Learned, Not Natural: The Apostle Paul, who experienced both hunger and abundance, said he had "learned the secret" of being content: “I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need” (Philippians 4:11-12). This means it is a supernatural skill gained through faith and dependence on Christ's strength.
It Protects the Heart: Contentment is the ultimate shield against the sin of covetousness (lust for what belongs to others) and greed (an insatiable desire for possessions). Scripture commands: “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you’” (Hebrews 13:5). God promises His presence, which is far more valuable than any temporary possession.
The Essentials: The true mark of contentment focuses on needs, not wants: “But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content” (1 Timothy 6:8).
2. The Direction: Redefining Godly Ambition
If contentment means being satisfied with your possessions, then godly ambition means never being satisfied with your spiritual stagnantion.
Ambition for God's Kingdom: A Christian should always "want for more" of the things that glorify God. We are encouraged to:
Desire Spiritual Gifts: “Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy” (1 Corinthians 14:1).
Seek Good Works: Paul urges us to strive for excellence in ministry and service: “make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders…” (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12, NIV).
Grow in Christlikeness: We must never stop wanting more patience, more love, more knowledge of Christ, and more personal holiness.
Using Resources for God: If God gives you "more"—more money, a bigger platform, greater influence—it is not for your own comfort, but to be a better steward of His resources for His Kingdom. This ambition seeks to multiply God's gifts for others, not hoard them for oneself (Matthew 25:14-30, the Parable of the Talents).
Conclusion
You should be content with your current circumstances (your house, your salary, your social status) because your true life and value are found in Christ alone. When you are content in this way, you are liberated from the endless pursuit that makes the world miserable.
However, you should not be content with your current spiritual maturity or service to others. Use your desire for "more" to fuel a godly ambition: to know God more deeply, to love people more passionately, and to use the gifts you have been given to bless your neighbor and advance the Gospel.
This perfect balance—resting in God’s provision while relentlessly pursuing His purpose—is the secret to joyful and faithful living.
