In "A Motive for Contentment," Don Fortner addresses the theological doctrine of contentment grounded in the promises of God, particularly reflecting on Hebrews 13:5-6. The key arguments made in the article emphasize that true contentment arises from the assurance that God will never abandon His people, encouraging believers to focus on spiritual wealth rather than material possessions. Fortner cites Scripture such as Philippians 4:12-13 and Romans 8:32 to bolster his points, illustrating that God’s provision and presence are sufficient for a contented heart. The practical significance of this doctrine lies in its ability to transform a believer's perspective on life's trials and needs, urging Christians to trust in God’s faithfulness amidst adversity and to cultivate an attitude of reliance on divine grace rather than earthly comforts.
Key Quotes
“Child of God let your riches consist not in the largeness of your possessions but in the fewness of your wants.”
“It matters not what men do to me the Lord will sustain me.”
“How far does that word never reach? It reaches deeper than the deepest agonies of your soul.”
“Eternity alone will unfold the riches of this promise.”
Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. - Hebrews 13:5-6A Motive For Contentment
This is what Paul says, “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have.” And he gives this for the motive: “For he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” If the Lord my God is with me, and promises never to forsake me, want should never be an emotion felt in my heart (Phil. 4:12-13).
This is my earnest prayer to my God: Lord give me a content heart. Teach me contentment! I want to be content with your providence, content with your provision, and content with your presence. He who possesses him, to whom all things belong, possesses all things (Rom. 8:32; 1 Cor. 3:21, 23).
Child of God, let your riches consist not in the largeness of your possessions, but in the fewness of your wants. Contentment makes poor men rich; and a lack of it makes rich men poor. Our wants ought to be always limited to our present possessions and present circumstances.
This I know: It is my responsibility, if I follow Christ, to make all material things immaterial, and simply trust my heavenly Father for all things. And if I believe him, I will (Matt. 6:20-34; 10:39). Someone once said, “It takes as much grace to trust God a the breaking of a piece of fine china as it does at the death of an only child.”
Because our God has said, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee, we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.” The Lord, who is my Helper, is greater than all my foes. All my foes are entirely in the hands of my Lord, and under his control. It matters not what men do to me, the Lord will sustain me.
Child of God believe him. Trust his promise. Trust his grace. He will not leave you in the time of your greatest guilt and sin (1 John 2:1-2). B. He will not leave you in the time great temptation, trial, and danger (1 Cor. 10:13). Though others forsake you, and they surely will, the Lord will not forsake you (Lam. 3:21-26).
For six thousand years, the Lord has confirmed his promise. It never was broken yet. And it never shall be. “He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee!” How far does that word “never” reach? It reaches deeper than the deepest agonies of your soul! It reaches lower than the lowest pit into which you may fall! It reaches beyond the grave! It reaches as high as the judgment seat of God himself! It reaches to eternity!
Robert Murray M’Cheyne wrote, “Eternity alone will unfold the riches of this promise. He who died for us will be our eternal Friend; and he who sanctifies us will forever dwell in us; and then God, who loved us, will be ever with us. Then will we get into the meaning of his promise – “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee!’”
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