Learning To Be Content
Learning to Be Content July 18, 2021
“But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak from want; for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstance I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:10-13)
When are you content? Is it only when you have what you want? Usually when life is going well we are pretty content. When we have a good job, a good marriage and kids that love us it is pretty easy to be content. However, our circumstances aren’t guaranteed to remain the same. They can change in an instance. The company you work for may file for bankruptcy, your marriage may start to fall apart and your kids may show more interest for worldly things then spending time at home. Our lives change all the time and if our contentment is based only on normalcy then we may well be in for a surprise.
As noted in the scripture above the apostle Paul had to learn to be content when his circumstances changed. It wasn’t easy for him and it didn’t learn such overnight. He had not only lived in prosperity but also in times where he lacked much. The only way he could be content in whatever circumstance he found himself in was from the strength that Christ gave him.
In another letter he writes that if one has food and covering then he has enough (every reason) to be content and that it would be dangerous for him to seek contentment through riches (wealth) (I Timothy 6:6-9).
Paul learned to be content when in prison and it was here that he encourages others to be content in whatever circumstance they find themselves in.
If you want Paul’s contentment in life then you need to know his Savior, Jesus Christ.
Brian Thompson