Anchored Ambition: Finding True Contentment in God

Devotional

Day 1: Contentment Rejects Complacency

True contentment is not passive or indifferent; it is an active posture that refuses to settle into comfort while ignoring the needs and injustices around us. Instead of lounging in ease while the world burns, contentment moves us to compassion and action, freeing us from the trap of self-centeredness and calling us to care for others. Ask God to reveal where you may be sitting in comfort when He is inviting you to step out in compassion and service. [16:55]

Amos 6:1, 4-7 (ESV)
"Woe to those who are at ease in Zion, and to those who feel secure on the mountain of Samaria, the notable men of the first of the nations, to whom the house of Israel comes! ... Woe to those who lie on beds of ivory and stretch themselves out on their couches, and eat lambs from the flock and calves from the midst of the stall, who sing idle songs to the sound of the harp and like David invent for themselves instruments of music, who drink wine in bowls and anoint themselves with the finest oils, but are not grieved over the ruin of Joseph! Therefore they shall now be the first of those who go into exile, and the revelry of those who stretch themselves out shall pass away."

Reflection: Where in your life are you enjoying comfort while ignoring a need God is calling you to notice and act upon today?

Day 2: Contentment Redefines Gain

The world tells us that gain is found in accumulating more—more money, more experiences, more recognition—but Scripture teaches that true gain is found in godliness combined with contentment. We come into the world with nothing and leave with nothing, so the pursuit of more for its own sake is a trap that leads to emptiness and grief. Instead, when we love God and are content with what He provides, we discover the true riches of life that last both now and forever. [23:54]

1 Timothy 6:6-11 (ESV)
"But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs. But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness."

Reflection: What is one area where you are tempted to measure your worth or happiness by what you have, and how can you practice godliness and contentment there today?

Day 3: Contentment Reorders Priorities

Contentment shifts our focus from building our own comfort and security to prioritizing God’s purposes first in our lives. When we invest only in ourselves, it’s like putting our resources into a bag with holes—never satisfied, always needing more. But when we put God first, even in seasons that feel busy or tight, we experience His blessing and true fulfillment. Take time to consider if your priorities reflect a heart that seeks God’s kingdom above your own. [30:20]

Haggai 1:2-6 (ESV)
"Thus says the Lord of hosts: These people say the time has not yet come to rebuild the house of the Lord. Then the word of the Lord came by the hand of Haggai the prophet, 'Is it a time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, while this house lies in ruins? Now, therefore, thus says the Lord of hosts: Consider your ways. You have sown much, and harvested little. You eat, but you never have enough; you drink, but you never have your fill. You clothe yourselves, but no one is warm. And he who earns wages does so to put them into a bag with holes.'"

Reflection: Before your next significant purchase or decision, will you pause and ask if you are putting God’s purposes first, or just building your own “house”?

Day 4: Contentment Removes Blindness

When we are consumed by the pursuit of more, we become blind to the needs right in front of us—even those at our own gate. Contentment frees us from self-absorption and opens our eyes to see and respond to the people God has placed in our path. Instead of scrolling past or walking by, we are called to notice, care, and act for those who are hurting or in need. [35:49]

Luke 16:19-25 (ESV)
"There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man's table. Moreover, even the dogs came and licked his sores. The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried, and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. And he called out, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame.' But Abraham said, 'Child, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner bad things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish.'"

Reflection: Who is the “Lazarus” at your gate—someone God has placed in your life whose need you have overlooked—and what is one step you can take to see and serve them this week?

Day 5: Anchored Ambition—Pursuing More with Godly Contentment

God does not call us to settle for less or to reject ambition, but to anchor our desires in Him so that our pursuit of more is grounded, purposeful, and faithful. “Anchored ambition” means we are open to God enlarging our tent, but we strengthen our stakes in contentment, godliness, and generosity, so we are not carried away by the winds of consumerism. Ask God to give you a vision for what it means to pursue more of what matters most—His presence, His purposes, and His love for others. [11:13]

Philippians 4:11-13 (ESV)
"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."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you sense God calling you to “enlarge your tent” or step out in faith, and how can you anchor that ambition in contentment and trust in Him today?

Sermon Summary

Today’s focus is on God’s loving call to step out of the “cult of consumerism” and into a life of true contentment. In a world that constantly pushes us to want more—more money, more experiences, more influence—we often find ourselves restless, never satisfied, and always chasing the next thing. This endless pursuit doesn’t just affect our wallets or our schedules; it seeps into our spiritual lives, making us consumers even of faith itself. But God’s invitation is not to shame or restrict us, but to anchor us in something far better: a life grounded in Him, where contentment and godliness lead to true gain.

Using the image of a tent, we see that the bigger our “tent”—the more we accumulate—the more likely we are to be blown away by the winds of culture unless we have strong stakes of contentment anchoring us. God doesn’t condemn growth or ambition; in fact, He calls us to “enlarge the place of your tent” but also to “strengthen your stakes.” The problem isn’t wanting more, but being unanchored—chasing more for its own sake, which leaves us vulnerable to being swept away by desires that never satisfy.

Contentment, as described in 1 Timothy 6, is not passive or lazy. It’s not about settling for less, but about being anchored in God’s presence and purposes, no matter what we have. True contentment rejects complacency; it moves us from comfort to compassion, from self-focus to seeing and meeting the needs around us. It redefines what “gain” really is—not more stuff, but more of God, more love, more generosity, more true life. Contentment also reorders our priorities, putting God’s purposes first, and removes the blindness that consumerism brings, helping us see the “Lazarus” at our gate—the needs God has placed right in front of us.

The call is to practice “anchored ambition”—to desire growth and blessing, but to be deeply rooted in God’s heart, so that whatever comes, we are content, generous, and free. This is the way to true life, both now and forever.

Key Takeaways

1. Contentment Rejects Complacency True contentment is not the same as complacency. While complacency sits comfortably and ignores the needs and injustices around us, contentment frees us from the endless chase for more so we can care deeply and act compassionately. It moves us from spiritual “lazy boys” to people whose hearts are stirred by God’s purposes and the needs of others. Ask yourself: where might you be lounging in comfort while God is calling you into compassion? [16:55]
2. Contentment Redefines Gain The world tells us that gain is about accumulation—more money, more experiences, more recognition. But Scripture teaches that true gain is found in godliness with contentment. We come into the world with nothing and leave with nothing; what matters is who we become and what we do with what we have in between. When we love God and are content in Him, we gain true life—joy, freedom from worry, and treasures that last. [22:43]
3. Contentment Reorders Priorities When contentment takes root, it changes what we value and how we live. Instead of always putting ourselves first, we begin to prioritize God’s purposes—His house, His mission, His people. This means pausing before every big decision or purchase to ask: have I put God first? Am I building His house or just my own? Contentment leads us to invest in what truly matters and brings lasting return. [31:25]
4. Contentment Removes Blindness Consumerism blinds us to the needs right in front of us, making us miss the “Lazarus” at our gate. The more we are consumed with getting and having, the less we see the people God has placed in our path. Contentment opens our eyes, freeing us to notice, care for, and serve those around us. It’s only when we are no longer obsessed with consuming that we can truly see and respond to the needs God wants us to meet. [35:49]
5. Anchored Ambition: The Way Forward God doesn’t call us to abandon ambition, but to anchor it in Him. “Anchored ambition” means desiring growth, blessing, and impact, but being deeply rooted in God’s presence, purposes, and priorities. This kind of ambition is not blown away by the winds of culture or consumerism, but stands firm, content in every season, and ready to be generous and faithful with whatever God entrusts to us. [11:13]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:24] - The Cult of Consumerism
[02:29] - The Snare of More
[03:53] - The Tent Illustration
[06:19] - Consumerism in Faith
[08:18] - Anchored Ambition
[10:17] - Strengthening the Stakes
[12:27] - Contentment Rejects Complacency
[16:55] - Moving from Comfort to Compassion
[18:14] - Redefining Gain
[22:43] - Godliness + Contentment = True Life
[25:14] - Freedom from Worry
[28:07] - Contentment Reorders Priorities
[31:25] - Building God’s House
[33:03] - Contentment Removes Blindness
[35:49] - Seeing the Lazarus at Your Gate
[37:06] - Lifting Our Eyes to Need
[40:27] - Living Free and Generous
[41:42] - Closing Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

1 Timothy 6:6-11 (ESV) — > But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs. But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.

Isaiah 54:2 (ESV) — > Enlarge the place of your tent, and let the curtains of your habitations be stretched out; do not hold back; lengthen your cords and strengthen your stakes.

Luke 16:19-21 (ESV) — > “There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man's table. Moreover, even the dogs came and licked his sores.”

Observation Questions

According to 1 Timothy 6, what does Paul say is “great gain” and how does he contrast it with the desire to be rich?
In Isaiah 54, what two instructions does God give about the tent, and what do they symbolize in the sermon?
In the story Jesus tells in Luke 16, what is the main difference between the rich man and Lazarus, and what detail does Jesus highlight about their daily lives?
The sermon uses the image of a tent and stakes. What does the “tent” represent, and what do the “stakes” represent?

Interpretation Questions

Why does Paul warn that the desire to be rich can lead to temptation and ruin? How does this relate to the “cult of consumerism” described in the sermon?
The sermon says contentment is not the same as complacency. How does Amos 6 (referenced in the sermon) help us understand the difference between being content and being spiritually lazy?
What does it mean to “strengthen your stakes” as you “enlarge your tent”? How can ambition be “anchored” in God rather than in the pursuit of more for its own sake?
In the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, why is the rich man condemned—not for his wealth, but for something else? What does this reveal about spiritual blindness?

Application Questions

The sermon asks, “Are there places where you are lounging in comfort while God is calling you into compassion?” Can you think of a specific area in your life where you might be choosing comfort over compassion? What would it look like to move from comfort to compassion this week?
The world tells us that “gain” is about getting more. The sermon says true gain is “godliness with contentment.” What is one area where you have been chasing “more” (money, experiences, recognition, etc.)? How could you practice contentment in that area this month?
Before your next big purchase or decision, the sermon suggests pausing to ask, “Have I put God first? Am I building His house or just my own?” What would it look like for you to put God’s priorities first in a practical way this week?
The sermon says consumerism can blind us to the “Lazarus at our gate.” Who is someone in your life or neighborhood that you might be overlooking? What is one step you could take to notice and care for them this week?
The idea of “anchored ambition” is to desire growth and blessing, but to be deeply rooted in God’s heart. What is one ambition or goal you have right now? How can you “anchor” it in God’s presence and purposes instead of just chasing it for its own sake?
The sermon challenges us to define what “enough” is. Have you ever taken time to define what “enough” looks like for you and your family? If not, what would it look like to do that together?
The sermon says, “Contentment frees us from chasing more so that we can care more.” What is one way you could simplify your life or schedule to make more room for generosity or service?

Sermon Clips

When the stakes are high, you need stakes. Something that grounds, something that anchors in, something that keeps you from being carried away. And the hurricane of consumerism is strong. The winds will come. We live in a culture that blows on the daily. Because of social media, these winds blow by the moment. And without stakes in the ground of contentment, we will be carried to our destruction. We will. [00:09:55] (29 seconds) #AnchoredInContentment

True contentment frees us from chasing more so that we can care more. It's not just sitting. It's not just indifference. So, are there places, I told you, this one's going to be a little uncomfortable, okay? Are there places where you are lounging in comfort while God is calling you into compassion? Where are we lounging in comfort today? [00:16:28] (29 seconds) #TheTrapOfMore

Godliness. When our heart becomes like this, when we become the kind of person that is godly, and then we introduce contentment. Contentment is this. God, I am happy. As a person that wants what you want, and delights in, and enjoys you, first of all, in anything that you give me, I am happy with whatever it is. If you give me a lot, I am content. If you take it away, I am content. Because I love you, and I can never lose you. That's what godliness says. That is what contentment says. And when you are godly and content, you gain true life. [00:23:31] (42 seconds) #PracticeEnoughLiveGenerously

What if we flip the equation? Instead of chasing more, what if we started to practice enough? What if we worked diligently? Lived simply? Gave generously? When we have no idea what enough is, we'll never have it. We'll never have it. [00:27:39] (19 seconds) #InvestInGodsHouse

``Contentment removes the blinders, frees us to lift our eyes. Instead of being fixated on our feed on Amazon, we can lift our eyes and go, God, where are you? Where is the need? I'm not so centered on myself that all I can see is my own need. No, I'm good and I'm filled and I'm content and I can look around and go, God, would you use me? How can I help fill a need? [00:36:52] (27 seconds)

When you're not consumed with consuming, we can see who God has placed right at our gate. Who or what is the Lazarus in your life? What is God placing right in front of you that you have been too busy, too stressed, too distracted to notice? Maybe it's in your family. Maybe it's in your church. Maybe it's in your community, your neighborhood. I don't know. The nations of the earth. Wherever that is, though, this week, lift your eyes. See it. See them. Take a step. [00:37:19] (29 seconds)

Ask a question about this sermon

Chatbot

Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?