Entitlement is by definition the belief or assumption that one inherently deserves certain privileges, benefits, or treatment—often without regard for merit, responsibility, or gratitude. If we look at our generation today, it seems to be a dangerously increasing epidemic that is evident in the workplace, dating scenes, family dynamics and even citizens of certain nations. At the core, if we examine entitlement from a biblical standpoint, it occurs when humans seek fulfillment apart from God. It places self at the center which is naturally opposed to surrender, dependency and trust that the gospel encourages us to grow into as believers. In this article, we will unpack what it means to be content in every circumstance, not faking it but truly embracing God’s way that may be unpopular and unconventional – but sustainable and enriching.
THE CASE FOR CONTENTMENT
“Now godliness with contentment is great gain.” — 1 Timothy 6:6 NKJV
Many have long argued that because Paul’s letters to Timothy are strongly targeting ministers, it should not necessarily be imposed on laymen yet in Christ all scriptures are for reproof, doctrine, correction and instruction in righteousness that all believers may be fully furnished unto the work of ministry (2 Timothy 3:16). There should never be a pick or choose when it comes to God’s word. We simply discern what is for information from what is for application and be faithful to allow the Spirit’s leading in fulfilling the call of God upon our lives.
With this understanding, our theme scripture shows how Paul teaches that true gain is not found in how much or how little we possess but in the contentment with which we view what we have. In the richness of the Hebrew language, contentment is used to describe this profound idea of peace, rest and satisfaction in God. As it relates to satisfaction, it is this inward satisfaction because of God’s care and provision. Concerning peace, it’s beyond a mere sense of no conflict but “shalom”, the completeness and inner stability because nothing essential is lacking. And finally concerning rest, it is about the sufficiency we experience in Christ who is all and in all. Having seen this truth, we recognize that Paul’s call to contentment reveals that when godliness and contentment walk together, we no longer live as victims, but as the privileged—those in whom and through whom God lives His life. Selah.
Entitlement in anything other than what we have been granted in Christ is also evidence that there is a consciousness of lack that stirs us to perform in order to get. This in itself is an antithesis of the message of grace and God’s mercy that gives us more than we could ever work to earn in a lifetime. Ironically many shy away, in false humility or lack of understanding, from embracing and being entitled to what Christ has afforded them through His precious sacrifice. Instead they covet and kill for those things which are perishable and vanishing with time (James 4:2) while living in perpetual anxiety concerning those which are theirs by God’s revealed will.
THE GREAT GAIN IN CONTENTMENT
I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. Philippians 4:11-12 NIV
You must understand the level of freedom a man must have to utter a statement like Paul’s “I have learnt to be content whatever the circumstances –whether in need or in abundance”. He called it “the secret of being content”, which reveals to us that there is actually a way to attain this level of spiritual maturity.
- THE SECRET
To them God wanted to make known how great among the Gentiles is the glorious richness of this secret. And the secret is this: the Messiah is united with you people! In that rests your hope of glory! Colossians 1:27 CJB
There is no greater phenomena, and mystery that mankind can ever experience than Christ in them. Paul calls this a secret because all throughout the scriptures, all the books of history and the prophets are speaking of what’s to come, while the New Testament speaks of who has come and will return. We cannot afford to be entitled to anything else other than this because this is our greatest possession and apart from it all that can be credited to our name as really ours is our sin – for no such evil exists in God.
Paul’s testimony carries weight because he was beaten, imprisoned, mocked, and slandered, yet remained content, proving that contentment transcends circumstance. This is not a stoic detachment but an active reliance on Christlike conscience developed in us daily, as we trust that His Word is true. This is why gratitude is a big component of Christian faith because through it is the remembrance of daily testimonies, big and small acts of His mercies, through which we condition our minds to see Him in everything – thus Paul speaking of having “learnt the secret”. Through the apostle’s life, we can see that contentment is not innate but learnt, and that calls for daily practice, for practice makes perfect.
Conclusively, we see that being strengthened and connected to Jesus in every aspect of our lives enables us to cultivate an attitude of trust and gratitude, sufficiency found in Him and ultimately contentment that is characterized by joy – not utter stoicism. Here is where the prophet affirms confidently saying: “the joy of the Lord is my strength” (Nahum 8:10), and this is true of Christians – there is nothing as endearing as true joy in the life of a believer.
Praise God.
If you have never given your life to Jesus Christ and feel that this is the right time, pray this prayer:“Lord Jesus, I thank You because You died for my sins, and You were raised for my glory. Today, I receive You as my Lord and Savior. I am born again. Amen.”
