Contentment

Definition and Meaning

The Korean term for contentment, jajok (自足), literally means "to regard oneself as having enough." It refers to the attitude of accepting one's circumstances, whether abundant or lacking, as permitted by God, and of maintaining peace of heart within them. It is understood as a virtue opposed to covetousness, the desire to possess more. It is, however, distinguished from resignation or apathy that gives up on effort. In the Korean Revised Version, the term appears in passages such as "for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content" (Philippians 4:11) and "But godliness with contentment is great gain" (1 Timothy 6:6).

Biblical and Historical Background

The Greek word autarkeia, translated "contentment" in the New Testament, is known to have been used in the Stoic philosophy of the period to denote a self-sufficiency unshaken by external conditions. Although Paul uses the same word, he locates its source not in himself but in "Christ which strengtheneth me" (Philippians 4:11–13). The following passages also connect contentment with one's attitude toward money and anxiety:

• 1 Timothy 6:6–9: Teaches that "having food and raiment let us be therewith content."
• Hebrews 13:5–6: Exhorts believers to be free from the love of money and to "be content with such things as ye have."
• Matthew 6:24–34: Jesus' teaching not to be anxious about what to eat or what to wear.

Seventeenth-century English Puritan ministers produced writings devoted to the subject of contentment. The Westminster Shorter Catechism explains that the tenth commandment of the Ten Commandments requires "full contentment with our own condition."

Practice in the Korean Church

Contentment is a frequent theme in sermons and quiet time (QT) devotions that address material possessions, the habit of comparing oneself with others, and anxiety. Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things," is widely used as a motto in prayers for success in examinations or business. Some observe, however, that in context the verse is a confession of contentment—the ability to endure both want and abundance.

Emphases differ by denomination:

• Presbyterian and other Reformed traditions: Teach contentment as connected with trust in God's providence.
• Methodist: Connects contentment with self-restraint and sharing, following the teaching of John Wesley's sermon "The Use of Money": "Gain all you can, save all you can, give all you can."
• Full Gospel and other Pentecostal bodies: Emphasize the threefold blessing—prosperity of the soul, prosperity in all things, and good health—based on 3 John 1:2. Critics contend that this emphasis can drift toward prosperity theology. These denominations respond that blessing and contentment are not contradictory, since they also teach the life of a steward who shares the blessings received.