I once knew a guy who always answered the question, “How are you doing?” with the rejoinder “Better than I deserve.” Four little words that seized upon a common question to introduce a full-bodied theology of gospel contentment. Stop right now and think about the four words.. Do you see what they say?
If you’re leading others—whether in ministry, at home, or in the workplace—you need this theology. I need it. Because the grind of leadership isn’t always exhilarating. Sometimes it just, well,…grinds. And if we’re not grounded in contentment, we’ll either burn out or blow up.
How do we know if we are grounded? Here’s the right questions to ask followed by some ways that Scripture supplies an answer.
Have You Learned the Secret?
In his letter to the Philippians—what some call the Bible’s handbook on joy—Paul lays out a vision of contentment that defies his circumstances. First, he is in prison while writing the epistle. Secondly, Paul is in chains (Phil. 1: 12-14). But through it all, Paul says, “I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content” (Phil. 4:11). Such a perspective spoken from such a place doesn’t come from good vibes or positive thinking. It comes from deep gospel roots.
Paul’s secret? Jesus Christ. “I can do all things through him who strengthens me” (Phil. 4:13). That’s not a motivational poster. It’s a declaration of dependency. Paul’s contentment was Christ-centered, forged in the fire of gospel meditation. For Paul, knowing Jesus as Lord was to possess the one treasure that outshines all others. To be found in Christ, to wear his righteousness, to bear his name—that was Paul’s source of strength. And if you’re in Christ, it’s your strength too.
Do You Tell Yourself the Secret?
Puritan Thomas Watson once said, “If you have not what you desire, you have more than you deserve”. Does that seem severe? Consider: One sin was enough to send us to hell forever. And I’m spawning sins repeatedly with the passing of each day. But Christ took the wrath I deserved for my past, present and future sins. The debt I owed, Christ paid. Now I have forgiveness, power and security in this life followed by untold treasures and blessings in the life to come. The saying is true: “I already have more than I deserve.” And the harder we stare at this reality, the more beautiful it becomes.
Discontent always says, “I’m not getting what I deserve.” But the gospel replies with a rebuke and a smile: “You’re quite right—you don’t have what you deserve. And you can thank God for that!” The gospel flips our grumbling and reminds us: whether we’re full or famished, honored or overlooked, promoted or passed by, we’re living each day infinitely above what we really deserve.
What Does This Mean for Leaders?
It means we stop comparing our church, our role, our quality of life, or our influence with someone else’s. We abandon the cultural anthem of “I deserve.” We silence the whisper of “It should be me.” Instead, we say:
• “The Lord has been exceedingly gracious to me.”
• “The work God has given me today is fruitful labor.”
• “I’ll pour myself out with no strings attached.”
• “This is all headed somewhere glorious—Jesus is coming back.”
Charles Spurgeon once said, “If you are not content with what you have, you would not be satisfied if it were doubled.”
That’s the danger. Discontent isn’t about our circumstances—it’s about our hearts. In Christ, we can learn contentment. We can live today—right now—convinced that even if we do not have what we desire, we have more than we deserve.
Today’s Tenacious Questions
Are you content? Or are you chasing something that’s stealing your joy? What two things are currently feeding discontent in your heart? Read through Philippians this week. How does Paul’s life and words challenge (or comfort) your perspective?
Prayer
Gracious Father, you have been exceedingly kind to me. You’ve given me your Son. You’ve sealed me with your Spirit. You’ve promised me eternal life. Guard my heart from discontent. Teach me to be satisfied in you. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Photo by Gary Fultz on Unsplash
