Frugality through Contentment
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
Welcome to my blog! It's is a glimpse into my life as a wife, soon-to-be mom & follower of Christ. I share about my family, frugality, sewing, cooking, and all things related to living a simple life!
Much needed words for everyone!
Excellent post. The power of contentment is huge!
I HAVE LEARNED THAT THE MORE YOU GET THE MORE YOU WANT AND SOON IT IS ALL ABOUT ME. MY HEART AND MY LIFE BELONGS TO GOD. HE HAS GIVEN ME SO MUCH TO BE THANKFUL FOR, HOW COULD I WANT THINGS. THEY WEAR OUT OR GET OUTDATED BUT MY BIBLE SAYS THAT GOD NEVER CHANGES. I LOVE YOU RACHEL, JOHN DAVID AND BABY BOREING.
This is so true, and often times I have had to check myself on this very thing! Thanks for a great post!
These words are so true, but I too sometimes wonder why others have so much and we have so little these days. I have been out of work for almost three school terms. Through it all, God have continued to provide for us. And, I am so very thankful for that. Rachel you are so young and very wise. I want to thank you for sharing you faith and wisdom.
For me, I became content through frugality (instead of the other way around). Once I opened my eyes to the waste and over-cnosumption, I immediately became frugal. Purging, simplifying, using what I had, and lowering my energy footprint. In the past, I looked up to people with better jobs, better cars, better houses. Now, I could care less. When you learn to love and enjoy what God has provided, contentment will follow.
In our current day and age , it is amazing the “extras” that we think are “necessities”. I think it has been so good for us to realize how much we can live without. Out of necessity, I have never been able to go the store and purchase our seasonal clothing and shoes. I have tried to yard sale, and thrift store during the year, always thinking ahead. Some years I do better than others .Thankfully, with just a few yard sales, I have found almost all the winter clothes for me and my girls this year for around $30. We have purchased about 75 items (scarfs, jackets, shoes, pants, shirts, jogging suits)! It was amazing how many things people were willing to part with for $.25.!!!! I’m so thankful that I had parents that taught us to be content with little. Coming from a family of 9, and NO yard sales back then, I learned to have very few outfits and shoes. It is incredible how much we have today, and still can feel like “need” more!
I do believe that so much of our discontentment comes from “window shopping” and comparing our situation with others. I love the verse that says..For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.
2 Corinthians 10:12 KJV This thought… to not compare myself in any way has helped me deal with so many areas of life, especially financial situations. God knows what we need, and has NEVER failed us. He is good, even when you eat Ramen noodles for more than one meal. He is GOOD, even if you have only one pair of shoes. ETC… He is GOOD!
I saw this little poem and it made me think of you and this blog post, so I thought I’d share.
Thank God for Dirty Dishes
author unknown
Thank God for Dirty Dishes,
They have a tale to tell.
While others are going hungry,
We’re eating very well.
With home and health and happiness,
I shouldn’t want to fuss.
For by this stack of evidence,
God’s very good to us.
I can really relate to you when you mentioned you have trouble comparing yourself to others, but you said it best when you said, “When you’re praising God for all the good, how can you not be fully content?”
Very wise thoughts!