
Hebrews 13:5
” 5 Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Today, we’re going to dive into a topic that speaks to the heart of every believer: contentment.
It’s an attribute that often eludes us, especially in a world where materialism, comparison, and the relentless pursuit of more dominate our culture. Yet, God’s Word calls us to a different standard—a life rooted in contentment. Hebrews 13:5 gives us both a command and a promise that together form the foundation for true contentment.
Let us explore three key aspects of this verse: (1) the call to reject covetousness, (2) the pursuit of contentment in what we have, and (3) the sustaining promise of God’s unfailing presence.
The Call to Reject Covetousness
The verse begins with a clear instruction: “Let your conduct be without covetousness.” Covetousness is a desire for what others have, an insatiable longing for more. This could manifest in material possessions, relationships, status, or even opportunities. The Bible consistently warns against it. The Tenth Commandment explicitly says, “You shall not covet” (Exodus 20:17). Jesus also warned in Luke 12:15, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.”
Why is covetousness such a danger?
Because it shifts our focus from God to things. It leads to discontentment and can even distort our priorities, causing us to value temporary, worldly treasures over eternal blessings. Covetousness enslaves us to the lie that happiness is found in having more, yet no amount of “more” can satisfy a heart that was created to be filled by God alone.
Rejecting covetousness is the first step toward contentment. It’s a choice to stop looking sideways at what others have and instead lift our eyes upward to the One who supplies all our needs.
The Pursuit of Contentment in What We Have
The next part of the verse says, “Be content with such things as you have.” This is a call to embrace gratitude and satisfaction with God’s provision. Contentment is not a passive resignation to circumstances; it is an active trust in God’s sufficiency. It’s saying, “God, what You’ve given me is enough.”
Consider the Apostle Paul’s words in Philippians 4:11–13: “Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Paul’s contentment wasn’t tied to his external circumstances; it was anchored in his relationship with Christ. Whether he was in a prison cell or preaching to crowds, Paul’s heart rested in the sufficiency of God’s grace.
How can we cultivate this kind of contentment in our own lives? Here are three practical steps:
- Practice Gratitude: Regularly thank God for what you have. Gratitude shifts your focus from what you lack to the abundance of God’s blessings.
- Simplify Your Life: Evaluate your priorities and let go of the unnecessary. The pursuit of material possessions often clutters not just our homes, but our hearts.
- Trust in God’s Timing: Contentment comes from believing that God’s plan and provision for your life are perfect, even when it doesn’t match your timeline or expectations.
The Sustaining Promise of God’s Presence
The verse concludes with one of the most comforting promises in all of Scripture: “For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.'” Here lies the secret to true contentment. It’s not about what we have; it’s about who we have. God’s presence is the ultimate source of our peace and satisfaction.
Throughout the Bible, we see this promise reiterated. In Deuteronomy 31:8, Moses tells the Israelites, “The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.” Jesus echoed this assurance in Matthew 28:20: “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
When we grasp the reality of God’s constant presence, our hearts are freed from the chains of anxiety and discontentment. We no longer need to chase after fleeting pleasures or compare our lives to others. The Creator of the universe is with us, walking alongside us, providing for us, and loving us unconditionally.
This promise also reminds us that contentment is not dependent on circumstances. Whether we are facing abundance or adversity, God is with us. He is our provider in times of need, our comforter in seasons of loss, and our joy in moments of plenty.Conclusion
As we reflect on Hebrews 13:5, let’s remember this: Contentment is not about having more, but about trusting in the sufficiency of God. It begins with rejecting covetousness, finding gratitude in God’s provision, and resting in His unchanging promise: “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Ask yourself today: Where is my heart’s focus? Am I chasing after worldly things that will never satisfy, or am I resting in the presence of the One who has promised to be with me always?
To God be all the glory, now and forever.
Were you able to glean and grow from this message so God can be further glorified and His Kingdom magnified? If so, I would love to hear from you. Follow this link to get in touch… Let’s pray!
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for Your unfailing presence and provision in our lives.
Teach us to reject the pull of covetousness and to find true contentment in You.
Help us to trust in Your promises and to rest in the assurance that You will never leave us nor forsake us.
May our lives reflect the peace and joy that come from a heart fully content in You. In Jesus’ name, we pray.
Amen.
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre