“Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:11-13 NLT)
Contentment has little to do with how much we have, whether possessions, money, position or acclaim. It has everything to do with the state of our heart. Contentment is the condition of our heart when we’re satisfied with what we have.
And yes, I realize that can be a curse as well as a blessing. A man sitting on the roof of his house as the flood waters rise, with men shouting to him to get in their boat before it’s too late, may be content, but he’s also not using sound judgment. Contentment must be weighed with the consequences in mind.
We often use verse 13 above out of its original context. Paul wasn’t speaking of miracles, though he performed many. He wasn’t addressing his many spiritual achievements, though they abounded. He was speaking of the strength of Christ to live day by day, hungry or fed, “with plenty or little.”
There have been seasons in my life when I was very discontented, not because of what was happening around or outside of me, but because of the raging storm inside my heart and mind. On some levels, contentment can be compared to happiness. We seem to be happy when, in our opinion, things are going well. Which often translates, “we’re keeping up appearances.”
Our house might not be the most expensive in the neighborhood, but it’s better than many. Our kids aren’t the best dressed, but they fit in with their classmates. Our job may not be prestigious, but at least we’re working. But when our son or daughter comes home talking about this new kid at school, who just moved in. Their dad is the new Principal of our school. Or the new Athletic Director. Or the new Football Coach. Or the new ________________.
And we struggle to think: “Wow! That’s great!” Because the tone in our child’s voice that we choose to hear is: “and our dad is only a salesman at the mattress store!” It’s not what they said or even inferred, but it’s what we choose to hear because we’re really not content. Charles Spurgeon wrote: “If you are not content with what you have, you would not be satisfied if it were doubled.”
Unless and until we find our contentment in Christ alone, we’ll never see ourselves measuring up. And the sad truth is, even as believers, we love the “comparison game.” We love the new couple at church until we find out they want to start another adult class that will “compete” with ours. Why are we afraid? “What if more people want to attend their class than ours?”
What if they do? Praise God! The church is growing. We’re reaching new people. People who may not have been interested in coming to our class have seen value in theirs. Good for them! If God is honored and the Kingdom of God is forwarded, Hallelujah! Let’s start all the classes we can or launch all the effective ministries we possibly can, not to try to “top” one another, but to open up all the avenues we can to give people an opportunity to come to Jesus and grow in Him.
Contentment in the best sense, is using everything we have or don’t have to honor and glorify our Savior. Whether hungry or full, offering whatever strength the Lord gives us to forward His eternal purposes in and through our life.
Food for thought.
Blessings, Ed 😊
B
Walking With Jesus 