One of the keys to living a frugal lifestyle is contentment. However, contentment is anti-American. All of our lives we have been bombarded with advertising and media to convince us that we need and deserve unnecessary things and we believe it.

We’re fairly happy with what we have until we compare what we have or don’t have to what someone else has. This is an area I’ve struggled with at times…I’m happy with my older reliable car until a friend gets a new car and then all of the sudden my 8-year-old car is not good enough. Or I feel confident in my cute outfit that is comprised of hand-me-downs from my sister and thrift store finds and proud that I only spent $4 on it, until I see an acquaintance wearing a very stylish outfit that cost well over $100. This is what I am trying to get away from! Once we stop comparing ourselves to others it is amazing how we become truly satisfied with what we have.

Contentment is biblical:

“I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last you have renewed your care for me. You were, in fact, concerned about me, but lacked the opportunity to show it. I don’t say this out of need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know both how to have a little, and I know how to have a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content — whether well-fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me.” -Philippians 4:10-13 HCSB

“But godliness with contentment is a great gain. For we brought nothing into the world and we can take nothing out. But if we have food and clothing we will be content with these.” -1 Timothy 6:6-8 HCSB

These scriptures are such an encouragement to me. It puts into focus what really matters and that is a relationship with Him and not acquiring things.

When I find myself struggling with contentment, I start dwelling on all the blessings God has given me from salvation to my husband to the fact that there is food in my home and I am not going hungry. When you are praising God for all of the good, how can you not be fully content?

I firmly believe that learning contentment is a crucial step in your attempts to be frugal. When you are no longer consumed with the acquisition of more things you are able to truly honor God with your finances! And of course, when you find great deals on groceries and are given hand-me-down clothes that fit just perfect you know it’s from God and his word is coming to life for you, “So don’t worry saying ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ For the idolaters eagerly seek all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be provided for you.” -Matthew 6:31-33 HCSB

Part 1: Defining Frugality