Book Review: The Power of Christian Contentment by Andrew Davis

We live in a world where we see people have more and more than what we have. Whether it is the neighbor next door or someone we follow on social media, we become covetous and want what they go. We become discontent with what we have. In the church, pastors can become discontent when they see churches in their city growing and they are struggling to get people through the door. Can Christians be content in this world where are prone to be discontent? The obvious answer to that question is yes. Andrew Davis has written a book to help Christians understand contentment and why it is important, called The Power of Christian Contentment, which he draws inspiration from the classic, The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment by Jeremiah Burroughs

Davis teaches what Paul taught on contentment from Philippians 4, where he wrote:

Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be 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. I can do all things through him who strengthens me (Philippians 4:11-13).

If anyone knew how to be content, it was the Apostle Paul, who has been beaten, left for dead, shipwrecked, and under house arrest, which was the case as he wrote to the Philippian church.

Contentment is basically accepting what God has given us in the season of life we are in. Perhaps, it is facing financial difficulties or a terrible disease. Maybe it is a rebellious child or a church on the verse of collapse. The Bible teaches that God gives us what we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3), therefore, we should be content with what we have and what were given, which is easier said than done.

Davis continues with how Christ taught us contentment which was through His life and ministry. One area Davis addressed was Christ's atonement. Christ paid the way for sinners to come to God. In this world, we are looking for ways to get to God and all of them do not include Christ. Jesus is the one Way to get to the Father and we have to be content with that knowing God has given us the way for us to be right with Him.

Finally, Davis addresses the practical ways Christians can get contentment. The first thing is to have new life in Christ. For us to be content, Jesus needs to be the first priority of our life. We need to be in the Word. The Bible teaches us contentment such as the verses we have already mentioned. Prayer is another where we ask God to help us be content. We need to practice not complaining, which I will confess is a tough one for me. God has given us what we need in this life and we should be grateful while not complaining about whatever is happening in this season of life.

Contentment is not an easy issue to address and I wish it was easier said than done. With our selfie filled world, we can grow discontent in a second. With access to our bank accounts faster than what the previous generation had, we can become very bitter. I am delighted that Davis wrote a book for such a time as this because we need to be reminded of the importance of contentment in this life.

Thanks Baker Books for letting me review this book.